Holidays are a great time to reunite with family and friends. In many cases, with all the celebrating, we over look a few safety precautions.

Holidays are a great time to reunite with family and friends. In many cases, with all the celebrating, we over look a few safety precautions.

Use nightlights to light the hallway and bathrooms for visitors that are not familiar with the layout of your home.

Remove any poisonous chemicals from the reach of children

Do not light candles near holiday decorations

Keep children away from the range or stove while cooking.

Keep all doors and windows locked.

Review fire escape plan with guests.

Show guest where to locate fire extinguishers

Keep stairs, steps, and landings free of clutter.

Natural trees should be cut at a 45⁰ angle at the base and placed in water.

Use only non-flammable decorations. Use lighting evaluated by a nationally

recognized laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL).

Inspect lights for frayed wire or t other defects before use.

Do not leave lights on unattended. Keep natural tree stands filled with water. Christmas Tree FireClick link to view video

Purchase only UL approved lights.

Check all indoor and outdoor lights for frayed cords. Replace old lights if necessary.

Never use lights as decorations with an empty socket.

Check outdoor lights to be sure they have been certified for outdoor use.

Turn lights off, prior to leaving your home or going to bed.

Use flame-resistant materials to trim a tree. Avoid decorations that are sharp or

breakable, and keep trimmings with small parts out of reach of children and pets.

Avoid trimmings that resemble candy or food.

Wear gloves to avoid eye irritation while decorating with spun glass “angel hair”.

Follow container directions carefully while decorating with artificial snow sprays.

Select toys to suit the age, abilities, skills and interest level of the intended child. Toys too advanced may pose safety hazards for younger children.

Read the directions before allowing your child to play with a toy.

Avoid toys with strings or cords which could entangle and strangle a child.

Remove and discard plastic wrapping/bags as soon as the toy is opened.

Dispose of toys with small broken parts that could become lodged in an infants throat.

When preparing large meals for family and friends, please be sure to do the following: Wash hands, utensils, since and anything else

that comes in contact with raw foods. Keep raw foods and cooked foods separate. Foods that require refrigeration should not be

left at room temperature for more than two hours. For questions concerning holiday turkey preparation

call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-800-535-4555.

Be a smart party host/guest and don’t drink and drive. Use a designated driver.

Don’t drive while drowsy. While running errands or shopping, plan a

reasonable number of errands. Park in well lit areas and be aware of

your surroundings.

Shop with a friend rather than shop alone, especially at night.

Do not make multiple trips to your car to drop off packages.

If you travel to another shopping location, don’t leave packages in open view in your car.

Dress casually and comfortably. Notify credit card issuer immediately if your

card is lost, stolen or misused. Be aware of your surroundings.

Home Safety – www.safetyathome.com Shopping Safety – www.sheknows.com Tree Safety – www.nfpa.org Food Safety – www.webmd.com