Christmas Tree Safety

“Rat Boy!” exclaimed Safety Kid, when Rat Boy opened the door. “It is nice to meet you.”

“Come in,” said Rat Boy. “We have been expecting you.”

“I am running a little late this morning,” said Safety Kid. “The alarm didn’t go off and then my car wouldn’t start.”

“Sounds like a fun morning,” said Rat Boy.

“Oh yes,” said Safety Kid. “So, your mother wanted me to talk to you and Cecilia about Christmas tree safety.”

“Yes,” said Rat Boy. “That is more for Cecilia than me. She likes to put things in her mouth. However, it is always nice to hear about safety tips.”

“True,” said Safety Kid.

Rat Boy took Safety Kid into the living room where they had the Christmas tree setup. Safety Kid noticed right away that they had the tree leaning in one corner. It could easily fall over.

“The very first thing that I would do is get a stand for the tree,” said Safety Kid. “A stand doesn’t cost much and it will stop the tree from falling over. Right now, it could fall over and could possible hurt Cecilia if she was near it.”

“Very good point,” said Mother. “We will get one today.”

“I notice you have some very small and delicate glass ornaments near the bottom of the tree,” said Safety Kid.

“Those are mine,” said Cecilia.

“They are beautiful,” said Safety Kid. “However, I would put them near the top of the tree. That way Cecilia won’t be able to reach them to put them in her mouth. She could very easily choke on them.”

“I never thought of that,” said Mother. “Very good idea.”

“Please make sure the tree gets plenty of water,” said Safety Kid. “The water will keep the tree from drying out. A dried out tree can cause a fire.”

“Oh dear,” said Mother. “We don’t want that to happen.”

“The only other thing I can say is to make sure the Christmas lights are unplugged when you are not using them,” said Safety Kid. “That will prevent a fire as well.”

Safety Kid took one last look around and he was satisfied that if they did the things he suggested, the rat family would have a very safe Christmas.

“Thank you,” said Mother, as Safety Kid was leaving. “We will do those things you suggested.”

“Good,” said Safety Kid. “I wish you and your family a safe and merry Christmas.”

“We wish you and your family a safe and merry Christmas too,” said Mother, waving goodbye to Safety Kid.