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Christmas and New Year Safety Message

Travel

The local weather forecast is favorable for us, but not in all areas of the country. As we travel far and wide to see family and friends always remember to be prepared for bad weather delays whether traveling by air or by car. Make sure you have good emergency contact information and that those close to you know which route you plan on taking if you are driving.

Drinking and Driving

The holiday period historically sees a significant increase in driving related fatalities. If you plan on drinking give your keys to a designated driver before you start. Situational awareness is the key to recognizing hazardous situations for those who don’t plan and drive drunk during the Christmas and holiday season. Enjoy the season and come home safe.

Smoke Alarms

This Christmas give your family and friends a gift that saves lives...a smoke alarm. Most fatal fires take place at night, while you and your family are asleep - when seconds can make the difference between life and death. If you have one or more working smoke alarms in your home you double your chances of surviving a fire. Smoke alarms are inexpensive and easy to install.

Candle Care

Candles are a traditional and beautiful part of the holiday season. They can also be a source of fire in your home, so be cautious with them. Place candles in non-tip candle holders and ensure they are well away from the Christmas tree and other holiday decorations. Never leave lit candles unattended and ensure that they are out of reach of children.

Christmas Tree Safety

Most Christmas fires can be prevented. Before buying your Christmas tree, test it for freshness by tapping the base of the tree on the ground. If needles fall or can be pulled off easily the tree is too dry. At home, find a cool spot for your tree, away from heater vents and the fireplace. Keep your tree as fresh as possible by watering it often.

Kitchen Fire Safety

Practice fire safety in the kitchen this holiday season. Never leave cooking food unattended and if you are faced with a grease fire, remember - put a lid on it and turn the heat source off! Always turn pot handles to the back of the stove so pots won't be pulled or knocked off. Enjoy the holidays and stay fire safe!

Pet Safety

Pets encounter many dangers, especially during the holidays. From choking hazards to poisonous plants to deadly human foods, pets can be harmed by many ordinary, innocent household items. Chocolate, especially baking chocolate, is poisonous to dogs, as are grapes, grape juice, and wine. Holiday plants (like holly, mistletoe, poinsettias, and lilies) can be poisonous as well. “People Foods” can be harmful to pets in large amounts, such as: Fatty meats; Gravies; Poultry skin; Bones; Alcohol. These foods can cause serious illnesses, like pancreatitis, and symptoms, like vomiting and diarrhea. Foods are not the only harmful things pets may ingest during the holidays, though. Other items can present additional health problems. Pine needles can puncture your pet’s intestines if ingested. Tree water can contain fertilizers from the tree and harmful bacteria, and adding aspirin to your tree water can be very harmful to pets. Snow globes can be harmful to pets because many contain antifreeze, which is severely harmful (yet tasty) to pets.

Enjoy this time with friends and family, and enjoy the festive season by putting safety first!

FROM ALL OF US HERE … HAVE A SAFE AND MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!