With the holiday season in full swing, it’s very easy to get caught up in the fun of holiday cheer that surrounds us between now and the end of the year. However, it’s important that you still take into consideration certain safety precautions as you enjoy shopping, parties, and the joy of family all around. Accidents and injuries are never convenient, but a serious incident can severely wreck a jolly spirit.
Before getting caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, we strongly encourage you to take a moment to review these safety tips and reminders with your friends and family.
Holiday Safety Tips in the Home
Decorations make for a festive environment at home, but they can also be dangerous.
- Be sure that you hang all breakable ornaments and decorations in high places away from where children can reach and break them, potentially causing injury to themselves or others.
- If you use holiday lights, ensure that there are no exposed wires that could cause a fire in your home.
- Watch where you position candles in the house. Make sure they are not close to any flammable materials. Never leave burning candles unattended.
- If you use a turkey fryer for any of your cooking, do not let children near the fryer. Use it outside and keep it away from the home.
- Decorations should be appropriately positioned as to not pose a trip-and-fall incident for guests in your home.
Holiday Safety at the Office Holiday Party
- Survey the location of your holiday party, and ensure that the premise is safe for all. Lighting, security, and a lack of potential hazards are important when hosting an event.
- Make sure that you have a first aid kit on site in case of any medical issues on your premise.
- If you choose to serve alcohol, hire professional bartenders who are trained to be aware of intoxicated people. Inform your bartenders that they are allowed to stop serving if someone has had too much.
- Review your insurance policy for any alcohol exclusions if you choose to serve alcoholic beverages.
- Be prepared to help your guests find a safe ride home.
Holiday Travel Safety
- If you are traveling for the holidays, do not post your travel plans online. Enlist a neighbor to help keep an eye on your house if you are away for a significant amount of time.
- If you are driving, make sure everyone in your car is safely buckled up. Practice alert driving, and do not text or allow yourself to be distracted.
- Check your car insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for incidents if you choose to rent a car at your destination.
Holiday Shopping Safety
- Do not leave packages visible inside your car.
- Park in well-lit areas in designated parking for the shopping center.
- Do not try to carry more than you can back to your car, especially at night.
- Be aware of where your credit card is located, and pay attention to websites where you purchase items. Ensure that they are secured and that you are only using your credit card on reputable shopping sites.
The holidays can be a lot of fun, but they are also a time for many distractions. Make sure you are paying attention to your surroundings and responsibilities during this time of year. We wish you a very happy and safe holiday season!
References:
Enjoy a Safe Holiday Season. (n.d.). Retrieved November 02, 2017, from http://nsc.org/learn/safety-knowledge/Pages/news-and-resources-holiday-safety.asp
(2014, December 18). 5 Crucial Holiday Safety Tips You’re Probably Overlooking. Retrieved November 02, 2017, from https://huffingtonpost.com/hometalk/holiday-safety-tips_b_6345768.html
Safety First Holiday Safety Tips for Last Minute Shoppers. (n.d.). Retrieved November 02, 2017, from http://ncpc.org/about/news/safety-first-holiday-safety-tips-for-last-minute-shoppers
Clark, B. (n.d.). Tips for a Safe and Sane Workplace Holiday Party. Retrieved November 02, 2017, from http://leaderschoiceinsurance.com/blog/bid/108823/Tips-for-a-Safe-and-Sane-Workplace-Holiday-Party
