By NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Cherie Sage with Safe Kids Kansas reminds us that holiday traditions are important, but keeping kids safe from injury hazards is vital, as well.
"Scalds and burns, those are some of the leading causes of injuries that we see, particularly for children around the holidays," Sage said. "It's just really important to be aware of those hazards so that you can make sure your holiday doesn't end up in the ER."
If you're using appliances in odd places to keep everything going, be sure you're doing so safely.
"Some of those things that we put out, maybe a crock pot, because we're trying to cook ten things in the oven, if you start using those types of appliances or a microwave, make sure that the cords to those are all tied up and out of reach," Sage said. "Otherwise, children can use them and actually pull those down on to themselves."
Just because you're cooking, though, doesn't mean the kids can't help.
"They can rinse vegetables and things like that under cold water," Sage said. "You can have them help, maybe slice up some bananas with a butter knife, any type of dry ingredients that need to be mixed or measured. Those are all great things you can do to involve kids in those family traditions so they don't have to be on the sidelines."
For more information about preventing injuries visit www.safekidskansas.org.