Thanksgiving and Christmas are quickly approaching - it's always a great idea to keep some key things in mind to stay safe and make the season even more enjoyable! Here are some safety tips from your friends at Ieuter Insurance Group and the American Red Cross:
- Always wash your hands before preparing meals and make sure to wash everything that comes into contact with meat to prevent food poisoning.
- If using a real tree cut two inches off the trunk and make sure your tree is in a sturdy, water-holding stand. This way it will not dry out quickly and your branches will not become a fire hazard. Dry branches + hot bulbs = fire.
- When hanging holiday decorations up high, make sure to use a sturdy ladder. You should have a spotter on hand, if possible, so that they can hold the ladder. Using a ladder with slip-resistant feet will also help to prevent slips and falls.
- Candles can be a huge part of festivities but you should never leave them unattended. Don’t forget to blow them out before you leave the house! Candle fires are four times more likely to happen during the winter holiday months.
- When packing your holiday items to be put in storage, make sure to check for broken items and that all sharp edges are safely secured.
- Confirm that all of your light bulbs are intact before plugging them in to prevent electrical shocks from those which may have been broken during storage.
- If you’re family is traveling throughout the season, it's best to keep an emergency kit in your car. Ideal items include blankets, extra boots, flashlights, a first-aid kit and roadside flares.
- Keep all seasonal plants out of reach for children and pets. Live plants such as Poinsettia’s, Holly, or Mistletoe are all poisonous and can be toxic to humans and pets alike.
IIG wishes you all a cozy holiday season with all forms of celebration!