Tips To Keep You and Your Family Safe During the Holidays

This season is filled with holiday cheer and spending time with the ones you love.  From decorating to traveling, it is important to take basic precautions to ensure your whole family is safe during this season.

Holiday Decorations:

• Candles – Not only do candles smell amazing and add the perfect touch to any holiday décor, they can cause fires if not used correctly. According to the National Fire Protection Association reports, 12% of home candle fires occur in the month of December.
  • Never leave burning candles unattended.
  • Keep candles out of reach of children.
  • Do not burn candles near trees, curtains or any other flammable items.
• Angel Hair – Made from spin glass, it can irritate your eyes and skin.
  • Always wear gloves when handling it.
  • It is recommended to substitute angel hair with non-flammable cotton when possible.
• Lights – Whether you decorate the outside of your home with lights or are decorating the tree, lights are a staple to any holiday décor.
  • Only use indoor lights inside and outdoor lights outside.
  • Check to make sure there are no broken lights, cracked sockets, frayed wires, and loose connections. If there are, replace or repair these sets.
  • Do not use more than three sets on one extension cord.
  • Turn lights off when you go to bed or leave your house.

Holiday Parties:

• Children – Whether you are planning or attending a party, keep an eye on your kids. Between enticing adult beverages, glass ornaments, and the Christmas tree, the last thing you want is for your child to get into something they aren’t supposed to.
• Pets – Your pets can be very sensitive to changes in their environments and routines. If you are planning on hosting a party, provide a quiet place for your pet to retreat to.  Make sure to leave plenty of water and even their bed.  Avoid using noisy poppers that can terrify pets and cause damage to sensitive ears.

Holiday Traveling:

• Winter Preparedness – Make sure to check your brakes, spark plugs, battery and tires before your travels. It is also important to include a “Survival” kit, in case you hit poor weather.
• Avoid Peak Travel Days – Consider leaving earlier or later to avoid heavy traffic. If you do have to travel during the peak days, prepare yourself for heavy traffic.
• Designated Driver – Always have a designated driver for any holiday party you are attending. This will help ensure you (and others) make it home safely.

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