Deputy Myers

By Deanna Myers

Decorate your Tree with Kids and Pets in Mind

• Move ornaments that are breakable or have metal hooks towards the top of the tree. That makes room at the bottom for the ones that are safer for curious fingers and paws.
• Natural trees look beautiful and smell great, but if they’re not watered regularly, needles can dry out and pose a potential fire hazard. Make sure your tree has plenty of water by checking it regularly.
• Lights are one of the best parts of holiday decorating. Take a look at the ones on your tree and in and around your home for exposed or frayed wires, loose connections or broken sockets.

Blow Out Candles and Store Matches Out of Reach

• Keep holiday candles at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn, and don’t forget to blow them out when you leave the room or before you go to sleep.
• Make a habit of placing matches and lighters in a safe place, out of children’s reach. Avoid novelty lighters or lighters that look like toys.

Keep Harmful Plants Out of Reach

• Plants can spruce up your holiday decorating, but keep those that may be poisonous out of reach of children or pets. This includes mistletoe berries, holly berry, and Jerusalem cherry.
• In a poison emergency, call the national Poison Control Center at 1- 800-222-1222.

Don’t Forget a Helmet for New Bikes or Other Toys

• If your child’s heart is set on a bike, skateboard or scooter this holiday season, be sure to include a helmet to keep them safe while they’re having fun.

In the Kitchen

• Utilize the back burner of your stove and turn pot handles away from the edge to prevent curious little hands from pulling hot pots off the burners. Engage your children in the prep process, this helps to curb the curiosity and allows them to feel helpful and learn to use pot holders and other safety measures while in the kitchen

Deanna Myers is the Volunteer and Programs Coordinator for the Jurupa Valley Station of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department that services the Eastvale Police Department. She has been with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department for about eight years, and most recently was assigned to patrol within the City of Eastvale before moving into her current position where she is in charge of the Neighborhood Watch program for the City of Eastvale.