Welcome to December! I love the holiday season and everything it brings - good food, quality time spent with family and friends, and a few days out of the office! :)
While many of us take this opportunity to relax, there is one thing that should keep us on our toes, and that's safety. During the holiday season, many accidents occur that are easily preventable, from Christmas trees placed a bit too close to the fireplace to that unsteady ladder step while hanging twinkling lights. A candle burning in a window may be symbolic of the holiday spirit, but the real sight to see may be your curtains going up in smoke if you're not careful.
It is important to make sure that no matter how you plan to celebrate this holiday season, you're keep safety for yourself and your family first. Here are a few holiday safety tips to pay attention to:
In the Kitchen -
- Stand by your pan. Don't leave boiling, frying or broiling food unattended.
- Put a lid on a grease fire to smother it, and then turn off the heat. Never move a burning pan. You can be badly burned or spread the fire.
- Never throw water or use a fire extinguisher on a grease fire. Water will only spread the fire and the force of the extinguisher can splash flaming grease out of the pan.
- Wear short or tight-fitting sleeves when cooking. Loose fitting clothing can easily catch fire.
Oh Christmas Tree -
- Place your tree and decorations away from heaters, fireplaces, candles, and other heat sources.
- Consider decorating with LED lights as they are cooler and use less electricity.
- Choose your tree stand carefully, and, in the case of live trees, consider trimming the base by 3-6 inches so it fits more securely into the stand and is less likely to tip over. Keep trees out of doorways.
Baby It's Cold Outside -
- Be sure to use only lights rated for outdoor use.
- Securely anchor outdoor lights and decorations against the wind and weather with insulated holders or hooks.
- Do not drive nails, staples or tacks through wiring insulation; this can cause a fire.
- Bring outdoor decorations inside after the holidays to prevent hazards and extend their life.
From our family to yours, we hope you are having a happy, safe holiday season!
Happy Holidays!