Holiday Safety Tips

The holidays are a good time to gather with loved ones, but they also bring safety risks. Data shows more trips to the emergency room, house fires, and car accidents occur during this season. Here are some tips to keep your home safe for the holidays.

Holiday Decorating

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports about 160 holiday decorating injuries daily, with half due to falls. To stay safe:

Use a ladder tall enough so you don’t stand on the top two steps.
Check ladders for damage before use.
Apply the 1-to-4 rule: for every four feet of height, place the base one foot away from the wall.
Climb facing the ladder and keep three points of contact; when working, keep both feet on the rungs, lean in at your midsection, and stay centered.
Avoid leaning past the ladder’s side; keep your “belt buckle” between the rails to maintain balance.

Holiday Fires

Major holiday fire risks include unattended cooking, electrical decoration issues, and open flames. Remember these key points:

Fire Prevention Tips – Cooking

Stay in the kitchen; don’t leave cooking unattended.
Keep kids away from hot surfaces and liquids.
Store flammable items clear of the cooking area.
Test smoke alarms before you cook.
Keep a charged Class ABC fire extinguisher close by.

Fire Prevention – Electrical Safety

To minimize the risk of electrical fires, purchase lighting products exclusively from reputable retailers and ensure they carry approval from nationally recognized testing laboratories such as UL, Intertek, or CSA. When installing lights outdoors, utilize only fixtures specifically rated for exterior use.
Thoroughly inspect all indoor and outdoor lighting for damaged sockets, frayed wiring, and loose connections prior to installation.
Avoid overloading electrical outlets with multiple devices. Repeated circuit breaker trips may indicate an overload, which should be corrected promptly. The practice of “daisy chaining” power strips is strongly discouraged.
Adhere to the manufacturer’s maximum connection ratings for Christmas light strands to prevent hazards.
Always switch off interior decorations and lights before retiring for the evening or leaving the premises.

Fire Prevention – Open Flames

December sees the most candle fires—keep candles three feet from anything flammable, on sturdy surfaces, and never leave them unattended.
For fireplaces, clean and inspect chimneys first, keep flammables away, and use a screen for sparks.
Water real Christmas trees well and keep them away from heat; use fire-resistant artificial trees.

What to do if a Fire Starts

For grease fires: Don’t use water; cover the pan with a lid and turn off the heat. Leave the lid until cool.
For oven fires: Turn off the heat and keep the door shut.
For other small fires: Disconnect power for electrical fires if safe. Use a Class ABC extinguisher or fire blanket.
If unsure or if fire is large/spreading: Evacuate and call the fire department.

Holiday Travel

Over 107 million Americans travel over 50 miles for year-end holidays, leading to more car accidents. Stay safe with these tips:

Be patient and avoid aggressive driving.
Expect heavy traffic; drive defensively, use seatbelts, and stay focused.
Rest well; never drive tired.
Adjust speed and distance in snow or ice.
Plan a sober driver or rideshare if drinking.
Winterize your car and check the battery; keep jumper cables handy.
Prepare for storms with blankets, food, water, jackets, flashlight, and an emergency kit.
Don’t post detailed travel plans online; protect your home from theft.
Keep your phone away while driving.

By taking these practical steps and remaining vigilant, you can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and emergencies during the holiday season. Prioritizing safety not only protects you and your loved ones but also brings greater peace of mind, allowing everyone to fully enjoy the festivities. Stay prepared, stay aware, and have a safe and happy holiday season.