Holiday Safety Tips

With the holidays upon us, we are ready for some fun and entertainment.  But to make sure everyone has a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year; here are some Holiday Safety Tips from the National Safety Council to help keep everyone happy.

• Never use lighted candles near trees, boughs, curtains/drapes, or with any potentially flammable item.

• Small children may think that holiday plants look good enough to eat, but many plants may be poisonous or can cause severe stomach problems.

• When displaying a tree, cut off about two inches off the trunk and put the tree in a sturdy, water-holding stand. Keep the stand filled with water so the tree does not dry out quickly.

• Stand your tree away from fireplaces, radiators and other heat sources.

• Use no more than three light sets on any one extension cord. Extension cords should be placed against the wall to avoid tripping hazards, but do not run cords under rugs, around furniture legs or across doorways.

• If using a natural tree, make sure it is well watered to avoid dry branches from catching fire from the heat of light bulbs.

• When putting up holiday decorations, always use the proper step stool or ladder to reach high places. Don’t stand on chairs, desks or other furniture.

• A straight or extension ladder should be placed one foot away from the surface it rests against for every four feet of ladder height.

• When climbing, keep your hips between the side rails and do not lean too far or overreach. Reposition the ladder closer to the work instead.

• While doing holiday cooking, keep your knives sharp. Most knife injuries occur due to dull blades.

• Being a smart party host or guest should include being sensible about alcoholic drinks. More than half of all traffic fatalities are alcohol-related. Use designated drivers, people who do not drink, to drive other guests home after a holiday party.

• The holiday season is one of the most stressful times of the year. You can’t avoid stress completely, but you can give yourself some relief. Allow enough time to shop for gifts and meal items rather than hurry through stores and parking lots. Only plan to do a reasonable number of errands.