By Adrian Karver, Regional Safety Manager
The holiday season is a festive time filled with travel and gathering with family and friends. It’s also a time when our traditions and fellowship bring potential safety risks. Below are a few recommendations to help ensure a safe and injury-free season.
Travel Safety
Holiday travel, especially by car, poses elevated risks. Fatalities peak on New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, often involving alcohol impairment.
- Ensure your vehicle is winter-ready and carry an emergency kit.
- Rest well before driving; avoid drowsy driving.
- Plan for traffic and depart early.
- Make sure that everyone in your vehicle wears their seatbelt every trip, every mile.
- Minimize distractions, especially cell phone use.
- Drive defensively.
- Drive sober; impairment can result from alcohol, medications, or drugs.
Safe Decorating
Holiday decorating leads to thousands of injuries annually.
- Keep toxic plants (e.g., mistletoe, holly berries, poinsettias) away from children and pets.
- Use fire-resistant artificial trees or properly maintain live trees.
- Position trees away from heat sources and avoid blocking exits.
- Avoid fragile or small ornaments within children’s reach.
- Use appropriate lighting and ladders; inspect lights for damage.
- Follow manufacturer instructions for light connections.
- Avoid stressing wires; keep plugs dry and elevated.
- Turn off decorations when unattended or sleeping.
Fire Prevention
Candles and fireplaces increase fire risks during the holidays.
- Place candles securely and out of children’s reach.
- Store matches/lighters in locked cabinets.
- Use flameless candles near flammable items.
- Never burn decorations in fireplaces.
- Use fireplace screens and never leave fires unattended.
- Clean chimneys annually.
Food Safety
Prevent foodborne illness with proper handling.
- Wash hands frequently.
- Separate raw meat from produce.
- Use different tools for raw and cooked meats.
- Cook meat to safe temperatures by checking with a thermometer.
- Refrigerate leftovers within two hours.
- Consume leftovers within 3–4 days.
Safe Gifting
Toy-related injuries are common during the holidays.
- Choose age-appropriate toys.
- Avoid small parts for children under 3.
- Avoid plug-in toys for children under 10.
- Be cautious with toys containing button batteries or magnets that could be ingested.
- Include safety gear with riding toys; helmets must fit properly.
If you follow these tips, you and your loved ones can have a safe, injury-free holiday season filled with festivity, and the fellowship of family and friends. Be safe out there!