Have a Safe and Merry Little Christmas!

Soon, Christmas will be upon us. As Judy Garland, and later Frank Sinatra, sang in the classic song, "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," it is a beautiful time for warmth and celebration. Here on our little island, we look forward to the twinkling lights, the comforting aroma of food cooking, and the joy of friends and family gathering around the Christmas tree. To truly enjoy this wonderful season, we must practice safety first.

Safe Lighting and Electrical Practices

When decorating, working with electrical items and lights requires immediate care. Start with ladder safety before you even string up the lights. Check your ladder for damage, missing parts, or loose steps. Always use the correct ladder for the job, ensure the feet (ladder shoes) are slip-resistant, and are not missing. Follow the 1:4 rule—for every four feet of height, the base should be one foot away from the wall. Never overreach; it is much safer to reposition the ladder. As an extra measure of safety, it is always best to have a second person on the ground to steady the base.

Once you start decorating, mind your cord placement. Do not stretch electrical cords across walking paths, as this is a major tripping hazard and can also damage the cord or the attached electrical item. Avoid the temptation to overload outlets by plugging too many devices into one spot. Be vigilant for signs of an electrical overload, which include a circuit breaker tripping, an outlet or wire warm to the touch, a burning smell, flickering lights, or a buzzing sound from a device.

Christmas Tree Safety

Whether you prefer the traditional look and powerful scent of a fresh tree or opt for a manufactured one, fire safety is critical. Ensure your tree is placed at least three feet away from any potential fire hazards, and check that it does not block pathways or exits. If you have a fresh tree, remember to keep it well-watered. Inspect all electrical cords for your decorations carefully, and immediately discard any that are frayed or cracked. Never use real flames, such as candles, as decorations on or near the tree. Finally, before going to bed or leaving the house, always make sure all Christmas lights and decorations are turned off, and properly dispose of the tree shortly after the holidays are over.

Preventing Slips, Trips, and Falls

Slips, trips, and falls are common during the holidays, both at home and at the workplace. Running electrical cords across passages is a major cause. While covering them with tape or a rug might seem helpful, heavy or repetitive stepping can still cause damage to the cord while creating a tripping hazard. Prevention is simple: either rearrange furniture so cords do not cross pathways, or use manufactured cable covers designed specifically to protect cords in high-traffic areas.

Toy and Child Safety

The joy of watching a child open a new toy is one of the best parts of the season. To keep that joy safe, always buy age-appropriate toys. Toys with small or detachable parts can pose a serious choking hazard for children under three years old. If you are considering gifts like BB guns, which are not classified as traditional firearms, consider the child's maturity level and ensure they have a safe, designated area for use.

In Guam, parents should be aware of bicycle safety laws. Riding a bike on the road without a helmet can result in a fine of at least $50, and parents are legally responsible for children under the age of 12 (as per Guam Code Title 16, Chapter 27 - Bicycle Safety).

Responsible Celebration

Lastly, if your celebrations include alcohol, please drink responsibly. Never drink and drive. Make sure that if you intend to consume alcohol, you have a designated driver arranged ahead of time.

Wishing you and yours a safe, healthy, and merry Christmas!