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Holiday Safety Preparedness
Smart Tips for a Joyful and Safer Holiday Season
The holiday season is a time for celebration, family, and giving but it’s also a time to stay alert to potential risks. From fire prevention and home security to safe travel and health precautions, taking simple steps can help reduce risk and keep festivities enjoyable for everyone. Below are key tips to help you and your loved ones stay safe throughout the holidays.
- Explore the National Safety Council Holiday Safety Guide
- View 8 Most Common Holiday Safety Hazards Infographic
- Review Winter Weather Safety Tips Now
Ring in the Holidays with Safety, Smiles, and Community Spirit
Don’t Let Your Holiday Go Up in Smoke
Festive lights, candles, and cooking can bring warmth and joy to the season, but they can also increase the risk of fire. A few simple precautions can help reduce hazards and keep your home, family, and celebrations safer throughout the holidays.
- Decorations: Keep flammable items like trees, wreaths, and garlands away from fireplaces, radiators, and candles. Never use electric lights on metallic trees.
- Live Christmas Trees: Choose a fresh, green tree and keep the stand filled with water. Dispose of dried-out trees promptly and never store them inside or in a garage.
- Candles: Use sturdy holders on stable surfaces and keep candles at least one foot away from flammable materials. Never leave a lit candle unattended or burning while asleep. Battery-operated candles are a safer option.
- Electrical Safety: Avoid overloading outlets and do not connect more than three strands of lights together. Inspect cords for frays, breaks, or loose connections before use.
- Cooking: Stay in the kitchen when using the stove or oven. If frying a turkey, follow all safety guidelines or consider an oil-less fryer.
- Alarms: Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries if needed.
Learn More Helpful Tips From the National Fire Protection Association
Tis the Season for Extra Caution
The holidays bring joy and generosity, but they can also bring increased risks. While most people focus on giving, others may see the season as a chance to take advantage of distracted shoppers and unattended homes. By taking a few simple security precautions, residents can reduce risk and help protect their property during this busy time of year.
- Lock Up: Secure all doors and windows, even when you’re home. Avoid leaving spare keys in obvious spots such as under doormats or flowerpots.
- Create the Illusion of Presence: Use light and TV timers when away to make it appear that someone is home.
- Hide Valuables: Keep gifts and valuables out of view from windows. After opening gifts, break down boxes and place them in opaque bags before putting them out for trash or recycling.
- Online Shopping: Shop only on secure websites and be cautious of phishing emails, fake tracking links, or fraudulent sellers.
- In-Person Shopping:
- Stay alert and aware of your surroundings.
- Keep purses and wallets close and secure.
- Have your keys ready when returning to your vehicle.
- Park in well-lit areas and never leave gifts or valuables visible inside your car.
- Be Smart on Social Media: Avoid sharing live travel plans or location updates while away from home. Post photos and trip highlights after returning to help reduce the risk to personal safety, burglary or theft.
Holiday Road Safety for Merrier Travels
Holiday travel often means crowded roads, longer drives, and unpredictable weather. Taking time to prepare before you leave can help reduce risk and make your trip safer and less stressful. A few smart habits like checking your car, planning your route, and making sure you’re well-rested go a long way toward preventing accidents and delays.
- Plan Ahead: Review your route, check the weather forecast, and allow extra time for traffic and delays. Avoid rushing or making last-minute changes while on the road.
- Inspect Your Vehicle: Ensure tires are properly inflated and have good tread. Check oil, coolant, and windshield wiper fluid before traveling long distances.
- Stay Rested: Do not drive tired or drowsy. Get a full night’s sleep before your trip, and take regular breaks about every two hours to stretch and stay alert.
- Be Patient in Traffic: Expect heavier traffic near shopping centers, interstates, and popular destinations. Keep a safe following distance and stay calm in slow-moving conditions.
- Pack an Emergency Kit: Include an ice scraper, small shovel, flashlight, jumper cables, first-aid kit, bottled water, snacks, extra warm clothes and blankets in case of delays or winter weather.
- Drive Cautiously: Reduce speed on wet or icy roads, use headlights in low visibility, and avoid distractions such as texting or adjusting your GPS while driving.
It is also encouraged to privately share (not on social) your travel plans with family or friends, monitor weather and traffic alerts, and stay informed about any road closures before leaving.