By Natalie Vavricka, Nubella News

Don’t let this year’s feasting and festivities end with a trip to the emergency room. Unexpected dangers could be lurking in your house. Keep you and your loved ones out of harm’s way this holiday season by taking steps to prevent the most dangerous holiday hazards. Here are the most common home dangers during the holiday, and what you can do to stay safer.

1. Children’s Toys. Whether they’re from Santa or doting relatives, toys have the potential to be extremely dangerous. Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio reminds parents to always read the instructions for new toys to make sure that they are appropriate for your child’s age and abilities. Some toys may pose a choking hazard to children younger than 3 years, while others that are too advanced or too simple can be misused and lead to injuries. Additionally, take care to protect young eyes by avoiding toys that shoot objects into the air.

2. Turkey Fryers. Despite the prevalence of obesity being at an all time high, deep frying has become a popular method of preparing turkeys—and it’s not just hazardous to your waistline.  According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), from 1998 to 2007, there were 138 incidents involving turkey fryers, which caused 36 injuries and nearly $8 million in property loss. Most of these incidents occur while the oil is being heated, so watch that the fryer doesn’t tip over or overflow. 

3. Poinsettia Plants. These vibrant red and green plants are perfect for the holidays, but they’re also known to be poisonous to humans and animals. If you have pets or young children in your home, either keep the plants out of reach or avoid having them in your home all together.

4. Christmas Trees. At the center of many homes during this season, trees are one of the most dangerous items you can have in your home. To avoid fires, choose a fresh (not dry) Christmas tree and keep it secured in a sturdy stand. Keep the tree away from radiators and doors and water it daily. If you choose to purchase an artificial tree, make sure that it is labeled as fire-retardant.

5. Holiday Lighting. Stringing lights on your house or tree makes them more festive, but lights can short out and start fires. According to the CPSC, about 12,500 people annually go to the emergency room for injuries related to holiday decorating. Turn off all lights before going to bed or leaving the house, and make sure to inspect both new and previously used light strings and replace them if they're damaged or worn. What's more, a recent analysis of four common brands of holiday lights shows levels of lead that may be hazardous to children. As a precaution, lights should be kept out of the reach of children—and should only be hung by adults wearing protective gloves.

6. Candles. Another well known fire hazard, candles should only be used with extreme caution.  Never use lit candles as tree decorations, and when burning them in your home, be sure to keep them away from decorations or other combustible materials. Do not leave children unattended in a room with lit candles, and always keep candles, matches, and lighters out of their reach.