Staying Safe for the Holidays

The holiday season is full of festive traditions, from gift giving and gatherings to twinkling lights and candles. While we honor these traditions, it’s important to consider the risks that come with them. A happy holiday is a safe one, so we’ve put together some safety tips to keep in mind as you celebrate.

How to Safely Decorate for the Holidays

Outfitting your home and property with festive decorations can be a beautiful, enjoyable and memorable part of the holiday season. However, while holiday décor may be glamorous, it can also introduce new risks and dangers in your home. This holiday season, keep your home and family safe amid your celebrations with the following tips:

• Extinguish flames. Avoid leaving candles and fireplaces burning while unattended, as even small flames can quickly start devastating blazes.
• Refrain from using toxic materials. Be cautious about using decorations that may contain harmful substances, such as lights that contain lead or holly berries.
• Check manufacturer instructions. Take time to inspect equipment, such as checking holiday lights to verify they’re certified for outdoor use.
• Limit power demand. Never overload outlets with too many electric devices. Unplug lights and trees before leaving your home or going to bed.
• Keep trees from drying out. If you bring a real Christmas tree into your home, check it for freshness by making sure the needles do not break or easily pull off. Keep your tree in a stand containing water to help limit its flammability.
• Practice ladder safety. If you’ll be hanging lights from your roof, check your ladder to make sure it’s in good condition and tall enough for the job. Never place ladders on slippery surfaces and have a family member or neighbor hold it stable while you’re off the ground.

Tips for Safe Toys and Gifts

December is Safe Toys and Gifts Month. This public awareness campaign focuses on helping families, communities and the general public understand the dangers of giving improper gifts that might cause accidents and injuries.

Do your part in keeping children safe by committing to these safety tips:

• Read the labels. Ensure gifts are age-appropriate for intended recipients. Additionally, check labels to see if products are approved by the American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM).
• Check for harmful materials. Certain toys may contain toxic or dangerous substances, such as lead. Additionally, inspect gifts for young children to ensure they won’t receive items with small or detachable parts and pieces.
• Include safety gear. If you’re planning to gift something that could involve potential dangers, include appropriate safety equipment. For example, if you’re giving someone a bicycle, get them a helmet or coordinate with another relative and ask them to do so.

For more safety tips during the holiday season, contact us today.