‘Tis the season for family gatherings, holiday parties, and lots of travel. Here are some tips to ensure your family remains safe and free from injuries this holiday season.
Decorate Your Home Safely
Decorating your home can be fun but it’s important to be safe to prevent fire and/or injuries. If reusing lights, be sure to replace cracked or broken ones. When hanging holiday berries or plants, be sure to hang them high and away from the reach of children and/or pets, as many of them are poisonous. Keep your Christmas tree well hydrated to prevent fire and if you use an artificial tree, make sure it is fire-resistant. Avoid hanging breakable ornaments on the lower branches where small children can reach them. Turn off all lights and decorations when you leave your home or go to bed. Never leave burning candles unattended, in fact, flameless candles are a safer alternative.
Staying Safe on the Roads
If you are traveling by vehicle this holiday season, be sure that your car is up to date with maintenance and that your emergency travel kit is stocked. Get plenty of rest before a big trip to avoid drowsiness. Make sure to map out your route and plan for heavy traffic. Make sure each passenger is restrained appropriately, either by a seat belt or car seats for the little ones. Eliminate distractions, especially cell phones. If it is travel from a holiday party, be sure to have an alcohol-free designated driver or utilize a car service such as Uber or Lyft.
Food Safety
Food is always a feature at holiday gatherings. Be sure to always wash your hands when handling food. Check resources to thaw your holiday bird properly. Use a thermometer to make sure food is cooked to the proper temperature. Keep raw meat away from produce to avoid contamination. Do not leave leftovers out too long and be sure to use the leftovers timely so they don’t go bad.
Gift Safety
Gifts are always fun to give and receive. When giving gifts, be sure to give children age-appropriate toys. If a toy requires a button battery, make sure it is sturdy and will not easily open (they usually have a screw battery lid). If swallowed, a button battery could cause great harm or even death. For little ones, make sure the toys do not have small components or pieces that a child could easily swallow and choke on. If the toys are used, make sure they are in good working order and contain no broken pieces that could cause injury.
Romano Law Group wishes you a safe holiday season!
Authored by Jessica Latour, Esq.
