Holiday Safety

Holidays are a time for celebration, community, and fun, but it’s important to beware of potentially dangerous situations so you can keep your home and family safe.

Decorative lights 
Be sure all indoor and outdoor holiday lights bear the mark of an independent testing laboratory. Only lights approved for outdoor use should be use outdoors; never put indoor lights outdoors.  Also, check for frayed wires, cracked sockets & excessive kinking before putting them up. 

Candles
Do not leave candles burning when you leave the house or while you are asleep. When candles are lit, be sure there is plenty of room between the candle and any combustible materials, such as curtains, furniture, and wrapping paper. And be sure to keep them out reach of children.

Parties where people drink and smoke
Provide smokers with large, deep, non-tip ashtrays, and be on the alert for those who may drink and drive. Note: Allowing guests to overindulge can become your liability. Take their car keys from them, call them a cab or have someone who was not drinking take them home.

After the party
Check cushions and furniture for smoldering cigarette butts. Dispose of smoking materials in an empty coffee can with some water in the bottom. Discard the can in the trash the next day. Never empty ashtrays directly into the garbage.

Christmas trees 
Be sure to water your tree frequently, check the level at least twice a day, and remove the tree promptly if it becomes dry.

Electrical fire 
Do not overload electrical outlets or run extension cords under carpets, across doorways or near heaters.

Space heaters 
Make sure the type used is legal in your area and bears the mark of an independent testing laboratory. Space heaters should be equipped with a shut-off feature in the event that the heater is knocked over.

Snow shoveling can be good exercise, but it can also be dangerous for individuals over age 40. Those who are relatively inactive should also be careful.

• Don’t shovel after eating or while smoking.
• Don't pick up too much snow at once. Use a small shovel or partially fill a larger shovel with snow.
• Push the snow as you shovel. It's easier on your back than lifting the snow out of the way.
• Don’t work to the point of exhaustion. If you run out of breath, take a break.
• Don’t shovel without a doctor's permission if you have a history of heart disease.
• If you feel tightness in your chest, stop immediately, inform someone of your medical difficulty and seek medical attention. Note: Call 911 and do not drive.