ARNOLD AIR FORCE BASE, Tenn. -- The holiday season is upon us.
It’s a time when families gather, parties are scheduled and travel peaks. During this time, most people decorate their houses, shop for gifts and cook delicious meals.
Although these things are fun, they can also be dangerous and unsafe. It is imperative that safety be on top of your mind during this season, to prevent any incidents.
Below are examples of ways to stay safe this holiday season, according to the National Safety Council:
Traveling During the Holidays
If you're traveling this year, be sure your vehicle is in good running condition, get plenty of rest and be prepared for any emergency. Traveling by car during the holidays has the highest fatality rate of any major form of transportation based on fatalities per passenger mile. Hundreds of people die every year in crashes on New Year’s, Thanksgiving and Christmas day.
● Prepare your car for winter and keep an emergency kit with you.
● Get a good night’s sleep before departing and avoid drowsy driving.
● Leave early, planning for heavy traffic.
● Make sure every person in the vehicle is properly buckled up no matter what.
● Put devices away.
● Have a designated sober driver after holiday parties where drinking is involved.
Decorate For the Holidays Safely
Decorating is one of the best ways to get in a holiday mood, but emergency departments see thousands of injuries involving holiday decorating every season.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, these are the best tips for decorating safely:
● Keep potentially poisonous plants – mistletoe, holly berries, Jerusalem cherry and amaryllis – away from children.
● If using an artificial tree, check that it is labeled “fire resistant.”
● If using a live tree, cut off about 2 inches of the trunk to expose fresh wood for better water absorption. Remember to water it and remove it from your home when it is dry.
● Place your tree at least 3 feet away from fireplaces, radiators and other heat sources, making certain not to block doorways.
● Only use indoor lights indoors and outdoor lights outdoors. Choose the right ladder for the task when hanging lights.
● Replace light sets that have broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections.
● Follow the package directions on the number of light sets that can be plugged into one socket.
● Turn off all lights and decorations when you go to bed or leave the house.
● Don't burn trees, wreaths or wrapping paper in the fireplace.
Food Safety
To avoid making yourself or the people you are cooking for sick or injured, follow these safety tips:
● Wash your hands frequently when handling food.
● Keep raw meat away from fresh produce.
● Use separate cutting boards, plates and utensils for uncooked and cooked meats to avoid cross-contamination.
● Use a food thermometer to make sure meat is cooked to a safe temperature.
● If using a turkey fryer, use it away from your house, as it could catch fire.
● Holiday leftovers are safe for three to four days when properly refrigerated.
Gifting Safely
Thousands of children are seriously injured in toy-related incidents every year. Avoid safety hazards while gifting by trying to follow these tips:
● Toys are age-rated for safety, not for children’s intellect and physical ability, so be sure to choose toys in the correct age range.
● Choose toys for children under 3 that do not have small parts which could be choking hazards.
● For children under 10, avoid toys that must be plugged into an electrical outlet.
● Be cautious about toys that have button batteries or magnets, which can be harmful or fatal if swallowed.
References:
https://www.nsc.org/community-safety/safety-topics/seasonal-safety/winter-safety/holiday.