Holidays are a time for safety amid the celebrations - WOWK 13 Charleston, Huntington WV News, Weather, Sports

As families throughout West Virginia decorate their homes for the holiday season, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta is reminding families that it is the season to be safe.

Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, which is a non-profit pediatric organization, said things that can often brighten the holidays — such as decorations, gifts and lighting — can be dangerous for children if not used properly.

According to a news release from the organization, the Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that approximately 10,000 people are treated in hospital emergency rooms each year as a result of injuries related to holiday decorating. Additionally, more than 14,000 candle-related fires are reported each year, resulting in about 170 deaths and $350 million in property damage. Christmas trees also are involved in approximately 200 fires each year, resulting in 10 deaths and $10 million in property loss. 

However, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta said those tragedies can be avoided by taking some simple steps:

• Decorate trees with children in mind. Do not put ornaments that have small parts or metal hooks, or look like food or candy, on the lower branches of a tree where small children can reach them. Trim protruding branches at or below a child's eye level, and keep lights out of reach.
• Never leave a decorative light display unattended. Inspect lights for exposed or frayed wires, loose connections and broken sockets. Do not overload extension cords or outlets, and do not run an electrical cord under a rug.
• Natural Christmas trees always involve some risk of fire. To minimize the risk, get a fresh tree and keep it watered at all times. Do not put the tree near heat sources, such as candles, fireplaces or heat vents.
• Keep decorations and other items with sharp edges out of reach.
• Turn off decorative light displays and extinguish candles when you leave the room.
• Make sure all smoke alarms have batteries and are working. Develop a home fire escape plan for your family, with two ways out of each room.
• Never allow infants and toddlers to use toys with small parts that could be choking hazards. If a toy part fits in a standard cardboard toilet paper tube, it is small enough to pose a choking risk to a child.
• Keep alcohol, including baking extracts, out of reach and do not leave alcoholic drinks unattended.
• Do not burn Christmas tree branches, treated wood or wrapping paper in a home fireplace.
• Holly berries, mistletoe berries, poinsettias, amaryllis, boxwood, Christmas rose, Crown of Thorns, English ivy and Jerusalem cherry are all potentially harmful if eaten. 
• During holiday travel, make sure everyone in the vehicle uses his or her safety belt or child safety seat. Make sure child safety seats are appropriate for the child's height and weight and are used properly.