Holiday Safety Tips

Holidays represent some of the best times of the year with great food, time with beloved family and the formation of memorable family traditions. However, holidays also represent a busy time of year for police, hospitals and emergency personnel because of the increased incidence of accidents. Learn how to keep yourself and your family safe this holiday with the following holiday safety tips.

Plan for the holidays. Every year you probably become more and more over-scheduled between children’s Christmas activities and friends’ holiday parties. Time can quickly get the best of you and cause you to rush to each event. This rushing can lead to car accidents and carelessness when it comes to securing your own home. Don’t overbook the holidays. If you plan on having a social gathering in your own home, use a careful eye to determine whether there are any potential hazards in your home. Get on your hands and knees and look for potential dangers if there will be babies in the home.

Tend your tree and plants. The Christmas tree should be positioned in a sturdy location where no pets or children could accidentally tip it over. If you are using a real tree, remove dead or dried pine needles that can pose a potential fire hazard. Turn the lights off if you will be out of the home in case of fire. Remove poisonous poinsettias and holly from the reach of children.

Avoid candles. Candles create a romantic and warm glow, but they can easily be forgotten. Candles cause thousands of fire every year. Recognize that this is a busy time of year and avoid the candles altogether if possible.

Don’t drink and drive. Everyone knows this, but some people underestimate the effect alcohol will have on their ability to drive. Even a small glass of alcohol can impair your driving ability. The roads are busier during the holiday seasons and accidents are more likely even when sober. Don’t take the extra risk and avoid alcohol when you will be driving.

Do you have a favorite holiday safety tip of your own? Post it briefly in the comment box below to help spread the word about safety!

It doesn’t take much effort to keep your family safer during the holiday season by not taking holiday safety for granted.