2 minute read
Holiday Safety Tips
By Connie Hogue, Director of Human Resources and Safety
Many of us spend the holidays reconnecting with friends, traveling to see loved ones and celebrating with family. It’s important to also keep safety in mind as you trim the tree and deck the halls. Here are five simple tips to keep you and your loved ones safe this holiday season.
1. Switch to LED holiday lights
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, holiday lights and decorations cause nearly 400 house fires each year. If you haven’t already, make the switch to ENERGY STAR®certified LED lights. They use 75% less energy than standard incandescent lights and last up to 10 times longer. Take extra precautions to ensure indoor lights do not touch drapes, furniture or carpeting.
2. Prepare for holiday travel
Make sure your vehicle is ready for winter. Keep your gas tank at least half full to prevent fuel lines from freezing. Check your tires to make sure they are ready for ice and snow. It is also important to pack a winter emergency kit to keep in your vehicle that includes a blanket, ice scraper, flashlight, batteries, jumper cables, first-aid kit, cell phone charger, nonperishable high-energy foods, extra windshield wiper fluid and extra gloves.
3. Give the gift of safety
Avoid safety hazards by choosing age-appropriate toys for children. Make sure there are no small parts or buttons on toys for children under three to alleviate choking hazards. Gifts that may need plugged in should be given to children over 10 years old. If you give a bike or scooter as a gift, also include helmets, knee pads and safety accessories.
4. Candles, fireplaces and space heaters
The National Fire Protection Association reports that one-third of home fires are started by candles and that two of every five decoration fires happen because the decorations are placed too close to a heat source. If you do use candles, keep them at least one foot away from anything that can burn. Never leave a child alone with a burning candle, and blow out candles when you leave the room. If a cozy fire is part of your holiday plans, be sure to clean the fireplace at least once a year. Never leave space heaters unattended and try to avoid using them. Space heaters drive up electric bills significantly, especially if you are using them as a primary heating source. Be sure you have working carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms near sleeping areas. Check them regularly to ensure they work and change the batteries once a year.
5. Decorate safely
On average, there are about 200 decorating-related injuries each day during the holiday season, with about half of the incidents involving falls. Avoid this by selecting the right ladder for the job when hanging decorations and never nail or hammer into an electrical cord. Read safety labels when purchasing holiday plants and artificial trees to confirm they’re fire resistant and not poisonous to children or pets. If you have a live tree, water frequently so it doesn't dry out and increase the risk of fire. Place cords in low-traffic areas to prevent tripping. When possible, plug into a wall outlet. If an extension cord is necessary, do not overload it.
