# Presentation: 092457

## Holiday Safety

## Introduction

*The holiday season can be a time of joy but it can also be a very hectic time which can put you at risk.*
*When you make out your shopping list, make a Safety List too.*

## safety

## Holiday Safety List

*Fresh Tree*
*Lights and Decorations*
*Fire in the Fireplace*
*Holiday Food*
*Party Plans*
*Travel*
*Shopping*
*Stress Relievers*

## Tree

*Tree*

## Tree

*Make sure the tree is fresh - no falling needles *
*Keep the tree fresh - keep it in a bucket of water until you are ready to bring it inside*
*When you bring it in cut a diagonal slice off the bottom of the truck*
*Use a sturdy holder with wide-spread legs*

## Tree

*Keep the stand filled with water*
*Keep the tree away from heat like fireplaces, heaters and heat ducts*
*After the season, recycle or discard the tree - Never burn it*
*If you are considering an artificial tree, make sure it is flame retardant*

## Lights 

*Make sure that lights have a factory label which assures it has been safety tested*
*Inspect each string of lights to make sure there is no damage*
*Position bulbs so they are not in contact with needles or ornaments*

## Lights

*If you string lights together, don’t string more than 200 midget or 50 larger bulbs through one string*
*Don’t connect more than 3 sets of lights on the same extension cord*
*Keep cords and plugs away from the water under the tree*

## Lights

*Keep cords out of walkways to prevent tripping*
*Don’t run cords under carpets or rugs*
*Take care not to pinch cords when placing behind furniture*

## Decorations

*Make sure that fragile glass ornaments  - or ornaments that small children could mistake for candy- are placed high on the tree or consider not using them*
*If small children are in the home do not use older ornaments that may be made with toxic materials such as lead based paints*

## Decorations

*Make sure that tinsel is not placed on low limbs where it could pose a choking hazard to small children or consider not using it at all*

## Slide 13

## Fireplaces

*Don’t use your fireplace to burn wrapping materials  - which can create toxic fumes or even a flash fire*
*Use kindling and wooden matches to light fires - not flammable liquids*
*Don’t wear loose clothes when tending fires*
*Keep flammable decorations away from the fireplace*

## Fireplaces

*Don’t close the chimney flue until the fire is COMPLETELY out*
*Make sure the fire is out before leaving the house or going to bed*
*Dispose of ashes in a metal container and never in or near the house*

## Fire Hazards

*Place candles in a holder that will not tip *
*Never leave candles unattended*
*Extinguish all candles before leaving or going to bed*
*NEVER place lit candles on your tree*

*X*

## Slide 17

## Detectors & Fire Extinguishers

*Smoke & Carbon Monoxide detectors should be installed on each floor and outside each bedroom*
*Don’t place detectors in kitchens where false alarms are common*
*Test detectors at least once a month and replace batteries annually*
*Buy a fire extinguisher and inspect it frequently*

## Smoking

*Don’t do it or allow it!!!  But if you must:*
*Use an ashtray that large, deep and will not tip over*
*Empty ashtrays often*
*After a party, check all surface areas for smoldering cigarette butts - even behind pillows and cushions*

##     Holiday Food PreparationTo Avoid Food Poisoning:

*Keep food, utensils, preparation surfaces and hands clean*
*Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold*
*Refrigerate leftovers as soon as possible after the meal*

## 	Holiday Food PreparationPreparing the Turkey:

*Defrost the turkey in the refrigerator - NEVER at room temperature*
*Stuff the turkey just before cooking to prevent the stuffing from spoiling*
*Use a meat thermometer to assure complete cooking*

## Holiday Parties and Alcohol

*Don’t drink alcohol in excess *
*1 beer = 1 shot of whiskey = 1 glass of wine*
*Never drink alcohol on an empty stomach*
*Feel free to refuse alcohol regardless of pressure or encouragement to drink*

*X*

## Holiday Parties and Alcohol

*Don’t drink alcohol if you are pregnant or are using medication*
***NEVER DRINK ALCOHOL AND DRIVE***

*+*

*=*

*TROUBLE*

## Holiday Traveling

*Plan your trip with scheduled rest stops and activities for small children*
*Leave an itinerary with a friend so someone knows where you are*
*Don’t overload your vehicle or obstruct your view with packages*
*Avoid a heavy meal before leaving on a trip to prevent sleepiness.*

## Holiday Travel

*Get a good night’s sleep before starting on the road*
*Follow other vehicles at a safe distance*
*If traveling in winter weather, carry emergency equipment such as first aid kit, blankets, compass, flashlight, flares, etc.*
*ALWAYS BUCKLE UP!!!!*

## Safe Shopping

*Avoid carrying large packages that block your vision and make you a target for purse snatchers*
*Ask store for an escort to your car - many provide this service*
*Shop during daylight hours whenever possible*
*Always park in well lit areas*

## Safe Shopping

*Carry your wallet in your front pocket*
*Carry your purse close to your body or under your coat*
*Have your keys in your hand before you go to your car*

## Holiday Stress Releivers

*To avoid stress:*
*Don’t blow your budget*
*Budget your time as well as your money*
*Start planning your gift list early*
*Don’t try to do everything yourself*
*Make some fun plans for January when the post holiday blues set in*

## SummaryHoliday Safety List

*Fresh Tree  *
*Lights and Decorations *
*Fire in the Fireplace *
*Holiday Food*
*Party Plans*
*Travel*
*Shopping*
*Stress Relievers*

## All add up to a 

*All add up to a *
*SAFE HOLIDAY*