Holiday Safety Tips

This holiday season promises to be one like no other! In-person family gatherings and holiday parties are on hold this year, but there are still plenty of ways to enjoy the season, from putting up decorations to hosting virtual parties. There are, however, some everyday risks that can ruin an otherwise great time, which is why you need to know these important holiday safety tips.

• Ladder safety: Be cautious when scaling a ladder to install or remove decorations, especially outside. It is best to clear any brush and branches before setting up or taking down outdoor lights. Bring someone along to spot you!
• Fire watch: Faulty electrical decorations, overloaded outlets, and fireplaces damage or destroy close to a thousand American homes every winter. If you celebrate Christmas, water your tree daily to ensure it doesn’t turn into Christmas tinder. Alternatively, invest in an artificial tree you can use year after year. Turn off all decorations before going to bed, and make sure your smoke alarm works!
• Driving dangers: When it comes to driving, the holidays have one of the highest fatality rates of the year. Watch out for icy roads this season, even if you don’t live in a snowy climate. Learn to safely de-ice your driveway and your car before going anywhere. As always, never imbibe and drive; be extra vigilant for impaired drivers.
• Weather woes: Know what to do before, during, and after a winter storm. Have emergency supplies ready in case of a power outage or other event. Have a way to hear reports from local officials, including by text or radio. Be sure to cover vulnerable plants and bring pets inside at night to protect them from freezing temperatures.
• Theft: Approximately one in four American adults reports having had a package stolen, and with the holidays being the most delivery-heavy part of the year, odds are higher that you will be affected. Home burglaries also can happen at this time, as it gets darker earlier in the day and many homes will have expensive new gifts in plain view. Instead, arrange for packages to be delivered to a neutral location, such as a drop box, or install a security camera over your front door.
• COVID-19: Holiday travel has already contributed to a nationwide surge of COVID-19, delaying the end of the pandemic. In addition to staying safe from the flu, you should continue to take all recommended COVID-19 precautions. The CDC recommends cancelling holiday travel, but if you absolutely must travel, be sure to quarantine and get tested before spending any time up close with family. This is especially important if you are visiting older or vulnerable loved ones. Put off your holiday gatherings this year to ensure you can have them at all in the future!

Make it a good holiday season by prioritizing health and safety! A little effort goes a long way. With vigilance and care, you can end the year on a high note.