While the holidays are one of the most wonderful times of the year, it’s also one of the most dangerous. From traveling accidents to home fires, it’s important to make sure you and your family are safe this holiday season. Here’s a list of a few precautions you can take to keep the season merry and bright!
Travel
The holidays are one of the busiest travel times of the year. Travel by car has the highest fatality rate of any major form of transportation. In 2015, 355 people died on New Year’s Day, 386 on Thanksgiving Day and 273 on Christmas Day, according to Injury Facts 2017. It’s no surprise that about a third of all accidents were alcohol related. Keep the family safe on the road this year by:
- Using a designated driver if you or your friends enjoy any alcoholic beverages
- Follow the rules of the road and make sure to buckle up
- Do not use your cell phone while driving
- Keep your vehicle properly maintained
- Avoid traveling during inclement weather or during heavy periods of traffic if you can avoid it
Decking the halls
While house fires from real Christmas Trees are often thought to be the only danger during the holiday season, there’s actually many other dangers that you should make sure to avoid. When decking the halls, make sure to follow these simple safety tips:
- If you spray artificial snow, make sure you have proper ventilation and follow the recommended safety equipment.
- Don’t place your tree near a heat source or where it can easily be knocked down by children or pets. Make sure you keep breakable ornaments or those that might easily be eaten away from the bottom branches were pets and children can get to them.
- When hanging lights or decorations in higher locations, you a stable step ladder. Do not use chairs, boxes, or other items that might easily break or fall when standing on
- Check your lights for any missing or broken bulbs, frayed wires, or loose connections. Don’t string to many sets of lights together that could cause an electrical overload. Always make sure to use the proper types of lights – indoor for indoor, and outdoor for outdoor. Don’t leave lights on when you aren’t home.
- Avoid decorating with toxic plants that children or pets may have access to – this includes poinsettias.
- Don’t place decorations in areas that may easily be tripped over. Keep walkways clear for family and guests.
Presents
It’s tempting to purchase the latest and greatest gifts for everyone on your list. But when buying for others, make sure to consider these few tips.
- Make sure all gifts for children are age appropriate. Avoid toys with small parts that may be a choking hazard for infants and small children.
- If you are buying gifts for elderly parents, aunts, uncles, or grandparents, make sure the gift isn’t too heavy or awkward for them to lift and bring home.
- Pay attention to any recalls or safety notices that may have been released
Fire Safety
During the holidays, there is an increase in the usage of fireplaces and candles. Add in all the flammable decorations and wrapping paper, and it’s easy to see why fire safety is so important during this time of year.
- Never leave candles or fireplaces burning while unattended
- Keep candles out of reach of children and make sure children are kept at a distance from any fireplace or heat stove.
- Make sure all candles are placed on a stable surface and in a location that won’t allow them to be easily knocked over
- Don’t burn candles near flammable objects
- Never burn wrapping paper, wreaths, or trees in your fireplace
- Before you fire up the fireplace, make sure it’s been properly cleaned
Cooking
With the popularity of turkey fryers over the past decade, holiday cooking safety has become a big deal. Make sure to follow these simple tips when prepping and cooking your holiday dinner.
- Follow the recommended cooking directions when using a fryer, and keep it well away from your home, vehicles, and anything flammable. Never, ever use one on a deck!
- Do not rinse raw meat and poultry before cooking, the risk of spreading bacteria to other surfaces is high and any bad germs will be killed during cooking!
- Use a food thermometer to make sure meat is cooked to a safe temperature
- Refrigerate food within two hours
- Wash your hands frequently when handling food
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Never eat food with raw eggs
From everyone at Baribault Fuel, we wish you and your family a happy and safe holiday season!
