The holiday season can be one of the best times of the
year—a time when we sit back and take stock of what matters most to us. Of
course, the holiday season is also a time when people go all out with
decorating, shopping, baking, and throwing parties. Although it’s a meaningful
and celebratory time, the holidays are also full of potential safety risks.
Below are a few ways to protect yourself and your property, valuables, and
sensitive information this time of year.
At home.
Fires.
Fire is always a concern, but there’s an even greater risk around the holidays.
Some of the biggest potential hazards? Real
trees, fireplaces, live-flame candles, and faulty Christmas decorations. You can
minimize some of these risks by making sure your tree is watered frequently, cleaning
your fireplace after each use (especially if it’s a wood-burning unit), keeping
any candles with a live flame away from your tree, curtains, or any other
potentially flammable items, and carefully checking each electrical cord for
any frayed wires or other defects before you put the lights on the tree or the
item in your window or on your shelf or mantle.
·
Choking
hazards. If you have little ones (or little ones who'll be visiting), you
know that they love to put things in their mouths. Be extra careful about potential choking hazards in your home. Ornament hooks,
broken decorations or lights, and of course small pieces that come with new
toys are some of the most common ones. If possible, try to
keep the little ones out of the room while you’re decorating. Vacuum the entire work area once you’re
finished so there’s even less risk of them finding something harmful.
·
Fall risks.
Decorating can be a very physical activity. Whether it’s putting the star at the top of
the tree or stringing several feet of lights and other décor across the exterior
of our homes, for many of us, decorating means climbing a ladder. According to
OSHA’s website, when climbing a ladder always maintain 3-point contact (two
hands and a foot or two feet and a hand). Keep your body near the middle of the
step. Come down immediately if the weather takes a turn for the worst.
On the road.
You should always practice defensive driving any time of
year, but during the holidays, it’s even more important.
- Minimize or eliminate any distractions within your vehicle (particularly cell phones) so you can keep your full attention on the road.
- Be especially careful when driving around mall parking lots. Not only are there more people walking to their cars, there are more people backing their cars out of parking spots! This means more opportunities for potential collisions.
- If you’re out at a holiday party, limit your alcohol intake or find a designated driver to take you home.
While shopping.
- Whether you’re ordering gifts online or shopping in a store, protect your PIN and other financial information. Never give your PIN to anyone.
- Never leave your bags unattended if you’re in a store.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Walk in well-lit areas if you're shopping at night. Park as close to the building as possible. If you're alone, pay attention to those around you. If you see anyone suspicious or feel unsafe, contact the authorities.
- Be sure to lock your car! The holiday season is a prime time for just-bought items to be stolen out of vehicles. Your homeowner’s policy may cover some of the costs for what was lost, but it’s best to not put yourself at risk for theft.
What other tips would
you add to this list? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!
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