May this festive season bring you joy, warmth, light, and cherished moments with your loved ones. As you celebrate, we wish you a happy and safe holiday filled with laughter, love, and good cheer.
Christmas season is a magical time, filled with joy and celebration. To keep your holiday season safe, let me share with you a few safety tips to keep in mind.
Decorating
- Secure live Christmas trees properly to prevent the tree from tipping over. Place the tree away from heat sources and exits. If real, eep your tree watered
- Secure decorations properly to prevent tripping hazards. Use sturdy hooks and fasteners to hang decorations, and keep cords out of high-traffic areas.
- Purchase safety-certified decorations and products. Avoid using decorations that are sharp, breakable, or have small parts that could be a choking hazard, especially if you have young children or have invited families with young children to your home over the holidays.
- Read and follow all instructions carefully when assembling and using holiday decorations.
Ladder safety: When using a ladder, ensure it is placed on a level surface and secure. Avoid standing on unstable furniture or overreaching.
Electrical safety: Inspect lights for frayed wires, damaged sockets, or broken bulbs before hanging them. Don’t overload electrical outlets. Use extension cords and power strips with built-in circuit breakers to prevent electrical fires. Don’t overload outlets. Use timers to control when lights are on and off.
Fire hazards: Never leave candles unattended. Place candles in sturdy, fireproof holders away from flammable materials. Consider flameless LED candles for a safer alternative, especially if you have, or expect, pets or small children.
Falling hazards: Secure decorations firmly and ensure walkways are clear of tripping hazards. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, and friends who will be entertaining families with young children, consider using safety gates for stairs. Gates also work for your pets and “grand dogs” to keep them where you want them to be — and not on your beds 😋
Gift Wrapping Safety:
Avoid using materials that can cause allergic reactions, such as certain types of glues and tapes.
Dispose of wrapping paper and packaging materials properly to reduce the risk of slips and falls. Have suggestions on how to better manage the growing mounds of unwrapped paper? If you have a good solution, share it with the rest of us!
Kitchen Safety:
Be cautious in the kitchen to prevent burns and cuts. Keep pot handles turned inward, and use oven mitts. Keep knives and other sharp objects out of reach of children, especially when preparing holiday meals.
Holiday Gatherings:
Ensure that your home is well-lit, and walkways are clear to prevent slips and falls.
Be mindful of guests with allergies or dietary restrictions when planning meals and snacks.
Responsible alcohol consumption: If hosting a party, provide non-alcoholic options and monitor guests’ alcohol intake. Arrange alternative transportation if needed.
Pet Safety: Keep holiday decorations and food out of reach of pets. Consider providing a designated space for your pet where they can relax away from the holiday festivities.
General Safety:
Be aware of your surroundings:
• Watch for slippery surfaces, especially when carrying hot beverages or food.
• Keep medications and hazardous materials out of reach of children and pets.
• Have a plan in case of emergency: Know the location of your fire extinguisher and first-aid kit. Ensure everyone knows your emergency contact information.
Additional Tips:
- Don’t rush when decorating or preparing for holiday gatherings. Take your time and be mindful of potential hazards.
- If you’re planning on traveling, ensure your home is secure before you leave.
Preventing accidents is always the best course of action. By taking these precautions, you can help create a safer environment for your family and guests during the holiday season.
Wishing you, your family, friends, and all of you associates a Very Merry – and safe – Christmas season, and beyond!
