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Have a Merry and Safe Holiday Season
Every year new memories are made during the holiday season. Gathering with family, cherishing time together and celebrating the upcoming year ahead. Prioritizing a safe holiday with a checklist of the common do’s and don’ts of the season:
Fire Safety Do’s and Don’ts:
Do use flame-resistant or LED décor. Keep decorations away from heat sources or open flames to minimize fire hazards.
Do test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace batteries, if necessary.
Do practice safe fireplace use. Only burn untreated, unpainted wood and use a fireplace screen to keep children and pets safe.
Don’t leave lit candles unattended. Set timers or reminders to extinguish them before leaving the room.
Don’t forget to water your real Christmas tree. Dry Christmas trees are highly flammable.
Safe Cooking Do’s and Don’ts:
Do set timers as reminders of cooking times to prevent burning dishes. At all times, keep an eye on any food that is cooking on the stovetop.
Do store a fire extinguisher in the kitchen in case of an emergency.
Don’t keep flammable items near the stove.
Electrical Safety:
Do inspect holiday lights and decorations for frayed wires or damaged sockets.
Don’t overload outlets with too many decorations or devices.
Childproofing:
Do monitor young children around holiday plants, such as mistletoe and poinsettias, which can be toxic.
Do keep small or sharp decorations out of reach of young children to avoid potential choking or injury.
Pet Safety:
Do keep toxic plants and holiday treats away from pets.
Personal Safety & Home Security:
Do keep doors and windows locked whenever leaving your home.
Do use timers for lights to give the appearance of an occupied home when you’re away.
Don’t let package thieves ruin the holidays. Determine a secure way for package delivery instead of leaving unattended should they arrive when you’re not home.
Don’t announce travel plans on social media.
Emergency Preparedness:
Do familiarize yourself, loved ones and any guests with emergency evacuation plans.
Don’t leave your first-aid kit improperly stocked – make sure it’s always filled with all necessary items and keep it readily available.
Winter Weather:
Do salt or sand driveways and walkways during icy conditions to avoid injuries and accidents.
Don’t ignore weather warnings when planning travel. If you do need to travel during poor weather conditions, ensure your car is equipped with snow tires, extra wiper fluid, maps, a first aid kit, shovel and items to keep warm in case of any type of emergencies.