The holiday season is a time for celebrations with family and friends, more time at home, and various activities like cooking, decorating, and entertaining. However, this festive period also brings increased risks of injury and fire due to the extensive use of fireplaces, heating, and home appliances. To ensure you enjoy the holidays safely, follow these essential safety tips.

Cooking Safety

Cooking is a central activity during the holidays, but it can also be a significant source of danger if not done carefully:

• Stay Attentive: Never leave the kitchen unattended when cooking on the stovetop or range. Pay close attention to items baking in the oven and do not rely solely on a timer, as fires can start before the timer goes off.
• Keep Surfaces Clean: Ensure stove surfaces and ovens are clean to prevent fires caused by igniting spilled food or grease buildup. Maintain countertops by keeping them free of debris and combustible materials like food wrappers, cookbooks, towels, and oven mitts.
• Immediate Action: If a fire starts on the stove, in the oven, or in a microwave, unplug or turn off the heat source immediately and keep the oven door closed.
• Proper Attire: Avoid wearing loose-fitting clothing while cooking to prevent it from catching fire.
• Child Safety: Teach children to stay at least 3 feet away from the stove and oven at all times.
• Pot Handle Safety: Turn pot handles inward to avoid accidentally bumping them and to prevent children from grabbing them.

Decoration Safety

Decorations add to the holiday spirit, but they also need to be handled with care to avoid hazards:

• Non-Combustible Materials: Use only non-combustible or flame-resistant materials to trim the tree.
• Candle Safety: Never use lighted candles on a tree or near evergreens. Always use non-flammable holders and place candles where they cannot be knocked over.
• Child-Friendly Decorations: In homes with small children, avoid sharp or breakable decorations. Keep trimmings with small removable parts out of reach to prevent choking, and avoid decorations that resemble candy or food to avoid temptation.
• Artificial Snow Sprays: Follow product directions carefully to avoid lung irritation when using artificial snow sprays.
• Inspect Lights: Check each set of lights, whether new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. Discard any damaged sets.
• Extension Cord Usage: Use no more than three standard-size sets of lights per single extension cord to prevent overheating.

General Home Safety

As you enjoy the warmth and comfort of your home during the holidays, keep these general safety tips in mind:

• Fireplace Use: Ensure fireplaces are clean and in good working condition. Use a screen to prevent sparks from escaping and keep flammable materials away from the fireplace.
• Heating Safety: Make sure heating systems are inspected and functioning correctly. Do not leave space heaters unattended, and keep them at least 3 feet away from flammable materials.
• Smoke Detectors: Test smoke detectors regularly and replace batteries as needed. Having functioning smoke detectors can save lives in the event of a fire.

By taking these precautions, you can significantly reduce the risks associated with the holiday season’s hazards. Enjoy your celebrations safely and make lasting, joyful memories with your loved ones.

Happy Holidays!