Trauma experts at Rady Children’s Hospital remind parents this holiday season of potential hazards for children. The following are the top 10 hazards identified by trauma experts: • Potpourri petals and pods (Children are attracted to the fragrant scent and can try to eat the ingredients. Poses a choking hazard.) • Candles (Many times lit candles are placed on decorative runners during the holidays. Children can pull the runner and be burned by the hot wax or, worse, start a fire.) • Alcohol (Even though it tastes bad, children will drink it. Can cause poisoning.) • Cleaning supplies (Kids can get under the sink and find toxic cleaners that look like apple juice and sports drinks.) • Vitamins and medications (Children’s vitamins are often colorful and taste like candy. Too much of a good thing can be dangerous.) • Purses and handbags (Visitors, like grandma, can leave their purse open to curious kids who might find her heart medication.) • Tiny toys (Despite warnings and advisories, some toy makers still manufacture toys with tiny parts that can cause a child to choke.) • Tree ornaments (The shiny objects attract attention from little ones. The ornaments can break and cut a child, or a child can choke on them.) • Small batteries (Another choking hazard. Batteries for presents, like watches, are often under the tree.) • Stuffed animal parts (Many times the plastic eyes or nose of a stuffed animal can pop off, posing a choking hazard.) A toilet paper roll can be your best asset to prevent a child from choking. If the item fits through the hole, it’s small enough to choke a child. — Provided as a public service announcement by Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego.