For many, the holidays are a wonderful, magical time of year. But at the same time, they can also present a number of unique safety challenges. To make sure you and your family’s holidays stay merry, here are a few safety tips to keep in mind:
Decorations
Holiday decor is what really helps to create a magical mood. But it does necessitate just a few safety precautions during installation to keep things festive and bright.
- Keep sharp and/or delicate glass ornaments and other decorations up high and out of reach. Leave the unbreakable ornaments to younger children to decorate the lower part of the tree.
- Use power strips and multiple outlets. One of the biggest fire hazards around the holidays is overloaded electrical outlets. So, be sure to spread out the plugs.
- Water the tree. Check the levels every day to keep the tree from drying out too quickly and turning into kindling.
- Keep an eye on open flames. Move candles away from the tree, curtains and other flammable materials. Never leave them or a lit fireplace unattended.
Shopping
When shopping at the grocery store, the mall or online, you want to make sure your family–and your credit card information– stay safe.
- Make sure everyone can get in touch with everyone else. If you split up while out shopping, make sure each group has a phone to contact the other ones.
- Keep track of the kids. In all the hustle and bustle of busy shopping centers, you can use location tracking on their phones or other child tracking devices to always be aware of their location.
- Only do business with legitimate stores and websites. If you run across an e-commerce site with which you’re not that familiar, be sure to verify their legitimacy before buying from them.
Gatherings
Get-togethers with friends and family are one of the biggest joys of the holiday season. Whether at home or visiting others, you can make sure everyone has a good, safe time.
- Designate a driver. Don’t become another holiday drunk driving statistic. Take turns driving with your significant other, or set something up with a taxi or ride-sharing app.
- Know who you’re inviting/hanging out with. Try an online people search to find out more about your neighbors and other parents.
- Watch out for hot stoves. The holidays usually involve a lot of cooking. Remind younger children not to touch, and use this opportunity to teach older kids about cooking safety.
Travel
If you’re traveling for the holidays, there are certain precautions you should take to help ensure a safe and happy trip.
- Bring along entertainment. To make sure that half the fun stays in getting there, bring along books, downloaded movies, and games to keep your children calm and comfortable on the journey.
- Be smart on social media. When you’re away from home, resist the temptation to post about it. It could just alert potential thieves that your house is unoccupied. Wait until you’re at least on your way home before sharing your holiday photos.
By using these common-sense precautions, you and your family will enjoy a happy, worry-free holiday season.