HOLIDAY SAFETY

By Connie Hogue, Vice President of Human Resources & Safety

During the holidays, families and friends come together to enjoy festive traditions like decorating the home, baking cookies, preparing delicious meals and exchanging gifts. Before the hustle and bustle begins, take a moment to review these safety tips to avoid the holiday chaos and give yourself more peace of mind.

Decorating Safety

• Lift with care: Bend your knees, not your back, when lifting heavy boxes.

• Inspect your lights: Check for broken bulbs or frayed wires before hanging LED lights. Purchase new light strands if you detect any wear and tear.

• Use the correct ladder: Make sure your ladder is sturdy and placed on flat ground. Keep at least three of your limbs on the ladder at all times (three points of contact).

• Tree placement matters: Keep real trees at least three feet from heat sources like fireplaces, radiators and space heaters. Water them regularly to prevent them from drying out.

• Strategically place the ornaments: Avoid placing fragile or glass ornaments on lower branches where children or pets can reach them.

Cooking Safety

• Test your smoke alarms to ensure they are working correctly.

• Keep a Class K fire extinguisher within reach.

• Tie back long hair and wear short sleeves while cooking.

• Keep flammable items like recipe books, oven mitts and towels away from the stove.

• Always have someone monitoring the oven or stovetop at all times.

• After cooking, turn off all appliances and unplug mixers or other kitchen appliances.

Children & Pet Safety

• Keep decorations and small items out of reach.

• Avoid leaving them unattended near open flames, such as candles or fireplaces.

• Keep them away from the Christmas tree to prevent accidents.

Spread the cheer—and the safety this holiday season! Share these tips with loved ones and remember to keep safety a top priority throughout the season.

From all of us at The Energy Cooperative, we wish you and your family a safe, warm and joyful holiday season!