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.