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# Use some common sense this holiday season
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/use-some-common-sense-this-holiday-season/
- Published: 2002-12-17T16:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-23T01:07:34.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Events, Santa Monica, #archive-import

*By Daily Press staff*

In an effort to be jolly this season, many celebrators don’t take into account common sense.

Dr. Wally Ghurabi, medical director of the Santa Monica-UCLA’s emergency center, said if people took obvious precautions, he wouldn’t see them land in the ER with injuries and illnesses.

So to remind people of the obvious: ■Keep holiday plants, such as holly and poinsettias, out of reach of small children and pets. Many parts of the plants are poisonous. ■Use shatterproof ornaments on the Christmas tree. ■Make sure tree and house lights are grounded to reduce the risk of electrical shock or fires. ■Have your tree fireproofed and place it in a safe distance from the fireplace, wall heater or vents. ■Trim any branches that toddlers might pull or trip over, causing the tree to tumble. ■Keep a fire extinguisher and first-aid kit in your home at all times. ■Consider safety in all gifts for small children, especially the ones that could cause them “to shoot their eye out.” Also, inspect toys for removable parts or other unsafe features. ■Eat and drink in moderation. Overindulgence can cause gastrointestinal problems and other unheathful consequences. ■Don’t drink and drive. Santa Monica-UCLA’s 24-hour emergency center is located on 16th Street, a half a block south of Wilshire Boulevard.

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on December 17, 2002.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/121702.pdf?ref=smdp.com)