From late November to the middle of January, families gather, parties are scheduled, and travel spikes. People from all around the world come together to celebrate the holiday season with their families and friends. Safety must be top of mind. Following safety rules is important to ensure that your families and friends remain safe and injury-free throughout the season.
Travel
- Avoid traveling when the national weather service has issued advisories
- If you must travel, inform a friend or relative of your proposed route and expected time of arrival.
- When driving avoid using cruise control in wintry conditions
- Practice defensive driving
- Steer in the direction of a skid
- Accelerate and decelerate slowly
- Increase following distance to 8-10 seconds
- If possible, don’t stop when going uphill
Decorate Safely
- Keep potentially poisonous plants away from children – mistletoe, holly berries, Jerusalem cherry, and amaryllis
- Make sure that the artificial Christmas Tree is fire resistant
- If using a live tree, cut off about 2 inches of the trunk to expose fresh wood for better water absorption, remember to water it and remove it from your home when it is dry
- Make sure that the Christmas tree is at least 3 feet away from fireplaces, radiators, and other heat sources, making certain not to block doorways
- Only use indoor lights indoors and outdoor lights outdoors, and choose the right ladder for the task when hanging lights
- Replace lights that are broken or cracked, frayed, or have loose connections
- Follow the package directions on the number of light sets that can be plugged into one socket
- Never nail, tack, or stress wiring when hanging lights, and keep plugs off the ground away from puddles and snow
- Turn off all lights and decorations when you go to bed or leave the house
Fire Starters
- Place candles where they cannot be knocked down or blown over and out of reach of children
- Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children someplace locked or high
- Make sure to not light candles near flammable objects
- Don't burn trees, wreaths, or wrapping paper in the fireplace
- Always use a screen on the fireplace when a fire is burning
- Never leave candles or fireplaces unattended
- Clean the chimney and fireplace area at least once a year
Food Poisoning
- Wash your hands frequently
- Keep raw meat away from fresh produce
- Use separate cutting boards, plates, and utensils for uncooked and cooked meats to avoid cross-contamination
- Make sure meat is cooked to a safe temperature by using a food thermometer
- Refrigerate hot or cold leftover food
- When storing the leftovers make sure to cut them into small pieces so they will chill quickly
- Leftovers are safe for three to four days when properly refrigerated
Gifts
- Toys are age-rated for safety, so be sure to choose toys in the correct age range
- Choose toys for children under 3 that do not have small parts which could be choking hazards
- Avoid toys that must be plugged into an electrical outlet for children under the age of 10
- Be cautious about toys that have button batteries or magnets, which can be harmful or fatal if swallowed
- When giving scooters and other riding toys, give the gift of appropriate safety gear, too; helmets should be always worn, and they should be sized to fit
Follow these steps to enjoy a safe and happy Christmas and Holiday Season.
Sources:
nsc.org, Enjoy a Safe Holiday Season
esfi.org, 12 Winter Holiday Safety Tips
mayoclinichealthsystem.org, 8 tips for keeping children safe during the holidays
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