Family Safety: Holiday Safety Tips

The holiday season is finally upon us. Keep your holidays merry and bright (yet safe) with these tips!

Vehicle and Travel Safety:

- Be prepared for emergency situations on the road by having a winter “survival kit” in your vehicle. This kit should include items such as, a working flashlight, extra batteries, reflective triangles, road flares, tow rope, a compass, a first aid kit, exterior windshield cleaner, battery booster cables, an ice scraper, a snow brush, wooden stick matches in a waterproof container, and non-perishable, high energy foods like canned nuts, dried fruits and granola bars.

- Naturally, you should avoid driving during a storm, but if you must, keep your fuel tank full to avoid a frozen fuel line in your vehicle.

- Always let someone know where you are going, which route you are planning to take, and your timetable for arrival.

Freezing Weather Safety:

- Dress in layers for warmth. When the weather is freezing outside, consider dressing in several thin layers as opposed to one single heavy coat, as layers will keep you warmer.

- Be sure to wear a hat (preferably one that covers your ears). Half your body heat loss can come from your head.

- Mittens, snug at the wrist, are better than gloves.

- Outer garments should be tightly woven, water repellent, and hooded.

Child Safety:

-  Remember that the homes you visit for the holidays may not be childproofed. Keep an eye out for danger spots.

- Traveling, visiting family members, getting presents, shopping, etc., can all increase your child’s stress levels. Trying to stick to your child’s usual routines, including sleep schedules and timing of naps, can help you and your child enjoy the holidays and reduce stress.

- Keep a laminated list with all of the important phone numbers you or a baby-sitter are likely to need in case of an emergency. Include the police and fire department, your pediatrician and the national Poison Help Line, 1-800-222-1222.

- The American Academy of Pediatrics advises that you dress infants and young children in one more layer of clothing than an adult would wear in the same conditions.

Christmas Tree Safety:

- Place your tree away from fireplaces, radiators and other heat sources. Make sure the tree does not block foot traffic or doorways.

- Avoid placing breakable tree ornaments or ones with small, detachable parts on lower branches where small children or pets can reach them.

- If you have an artificial tree, choose one that is tested and labeled as fire resistant. Artificial trees with built-in electrical systems should have the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) label.

-Only use indoor lights indoors (and outdoor lights only outdoors). Check lights for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, and loose connections. Replace or repair any damaged light sets. 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. Turn off all lights on trees and decorations when you go to bed or leave the house. Unplug extension cords when not in use.

Fireplace Safety:

- Before lighting any fire, remove all greens, boughs, papers, and other decorations from fireplace area and check to see that the flue is open.

- Do not burn gift wrap paper in the fireplace. A flash fire may result as wrappings ignite suddenly and burn intensely. Don’t place wrapped packages or gift boxes near the fireplace because they are highly combustible.

- Keep all combustible materials at least 3 feet away from heat sources such as fireplaces, candles, and portable heaters. Be sure your home has working smoke alarms on every level.

- Get an alarm that alerts you if carbon dioxide poisoning becomes a threat.

- Dispose of ashes with great care to assure that a fire will not start due to hot ashes.