# Presentation: 192943

## Holiday SafetyBriefing

- Prepared by the Office of Security Anti-Terrorism Division

##   The Holiday season is a time to celebrate family, friends and give thanks for our good fortunes.  

	Unfortunately, the Holidays can also be a time when mishaps occur. Hopefully this presentation will remind you of the precautions we can all take to have a safe and happy Holiday season. 

- 	Unfortunately, the Holidays can also be a time when mishaps occur. Hopefully this presentation will remind you of the precautions we can all take to have a safe and happy Holiday season.

- Holiday Safety

- Security is Everyone’s Responsibility.

- Department of Commerce Office of Security

## Holiday Decorations:
Always inspect cords for fraying and loose connections.
Do not use indoor extension cords outside.
Use grounded extension cords.
Use proper elevation devices (don’t use a chair when a ladder is needed).
Do not leave real candles unattended. 
If you use a real tree, keep the water re-supplied and check the tree for dryness.  Needles should bend, not break. Place candles away from curtains or other flammables.
Unplug your decorations/lights when you go to bed.
Keep fire extinguisher handy.
Poisonous decorative plants:  Poinsettias, Holly, Mistletoe
(pet and child Hazard).
Keep decorations out of the reach of small children.

- Always inspect cords for fraying and loose connections.
- Do not use indoor extension cords outside.
- Use grounded extension cords.
- Use proper elevation devices (don’t use a chair when a ladder is needed).
- Do not leave real candles unattended.
- If you use a real tree, keep the water re-supplied and check the tree for dryness.  Needles should bend, not break. Place candles away from curtains or other flammables.
- Unplug your decorations/lights when you go to bed.
- Keep fire extinguisher handy.
- Poisonous decorative plants:  Poinsettias, Holly, Mistletoe
- (pet and child Hazard).
- Keep decorations out of the reach of small children.

- Holiday Safety

- Security is Everyone’s Responsibility.

- Department of Commerce Office of Security

## Holiday Cooking
Turn handles on pots and pans inward on stove.
Do not leave cooking unattended.
Do not leave foods that require refrigeration out too long (spoiled foods).

Fire Detectors
Test them monthly.

- Turn handles on pots and pans inward on stove.
- Do not leave cooking unattended.
- Do not leave foods that require refrigeration out too long (spoiled foods).
- Fire Detectors
- Test them monthly.

- Holiday Safety

- Security is Everyone’s Responsibility.

- Department of Commerce Office of Security

## Holiday Safety

- Celebrations

- Security is Everyone’s Responsibility.

- Department of Commerce Office of Security

## Holiday Safety

- Celebrations
- Take your role as host seriously.
- Ensure Designated Drivers are available.
- Offer a place to stay.
- Provide plenty of food so guests will not drink as much.
- Don’t push drinks.
- Use caution for smokers and loose ashes.
- If at a public setting, DO NOT LEAVE YOUR DRINKS UNATTENDED!
- Avoid celebrations that include illegal substances.

- Security is Everyone’s Responsibility.

- Department of Commerce Office of Security

## Holiday Safety

- Cold Weather Injuries and Winter Driving
- Ensure clothing is worn in layers to prevent cold weather injuries such as hypothermia, frost-bite etc.
- Winterize your vehicle.
- Reduce speed, especially during inclement weather.
- Check tires frequently i.e., wear, inflation, etc.
- Keep dry food, water and blankets for emergency situations.
- Keep cellular phone fully charged for travel.

- Security is Everyone’s Responsibility.

- Department of Commerce Office of Security

## Holiday Safety

- Shopping
- Shop with a friend or family. There is safety in numbers.
- Be alert, stay in well lit areas at all times.
- If you carry a purse, keep it in front of your body and close to you.
- Carry your keys in your pocket. If a thief gets your purse, you will still have the keys to your house and car.
- Dress casually. Thieves and pickpockets are attracted to expensive clothes and jewelry.
- Don’t flash large amounts of cash.
- Lock your car and don’t leave anything in plain sight.
- Avoid parking next to vans where thieves can hide.
- Check your car for uninvited guests prior to getting in.
- Don’t over burden yourself with packages.

- Security is Everyone’s Responsibility.

- Department of Commerce Office of Security

## Holiday Safety

**TOY BUYING SAFETY**
- Select Toys to suit age, abilities, skills & the child’s interest.
- For infants & toddlers, avoid toys with small parts (choking).
- Don’t buy electric toys with heating elements for children under 8.
- Read the label and use the age guidelines for that toy.
- Look for sturdy construction and tightly secured small parts.
- Discard plastic wrappings immediately (suffocation hazard).
- Call Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) hotline 800-638-2772 to report dangerous toys.
- Check the government recall list on the internet  at www.cpsc.gov.

- Security is Everyone’s Responsibility.

- Department of Commerce Office of Security

## Holiday Safety

- Travel Considerations
- Expect increased security at the airports (allow more time).
- Have a picture ID ready (avoid using Federal ID overseas).
- Don’t leave bags unattended or carry one for strangers.
- Keep carry-on luggage light & store under the seat in front of you.
- Watch for heavy items stored over your head.
- Pack any medicines or dietary needs in your carry-on bag.
- Dress for the climate you are going to.
- Wear loose fitting natural fiber clothes, avoid synthetics.
- Wear long pants & sleeves and low-healed leather or tennis shoes.

- Security is Everyone’s Responsibility.

- Department of Commerce Office of Security

## Holiday Safety

- Travel Considerations (Cont.)
- Listen to your pre-flight safety briefing.
- Read the safety data card in the seat pocket to your front.
- Know where the emergency exits are from your seat (count rows).
- Wear your seatbelt and keep it on even if the light is not illuminated.
- If traveling overseas, contact DOC Office of Security’s Anti-Terrorism Division for a travel briefing prior to departure.

- Security is Everyone’s Responsibility.

- Department of Commerce Office of Security

## Holiday Safety

*Have a happy holiday and joyous New Year*

- Security is Everyone’s Responsibility.