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The American Red Cross Offers Tips for Holiday Safety and Gifts that Give Back
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National Headquarters
2025 E Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20006
www.redcross.org
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Contact: Pamela King
Organization: American Red Cross
Phone: 202-303-5551
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WASHINGTON, Wednesday, December 07, 2005 — The holiday season is in full swing and the American Red Cross has some safety – and gift giving – tips to ensure everyone a happy holiday season.
On your "to do" list for holiday planning, make sure safety preparation is at the top of your list. The first step to a safe holiday is being prepared for the unexpected. You can give someone in need the greatest gift of all – life – by learning to perform CPR and first aid. A variety of classes are conveniently scheduled at your local Red Cross chapter. To find a chapter near you logon to the Red Cross website at www.Redcross.org or check your local Yellow Pages.
Follow these simple steps to help ensure you and your loved ones enjoy a safe holiday:
- Dress appropriately before going outdoors. The air temperature does not have to be below freezing for someone to experience cold emergencies such as hypothermia and frostbite. Dress in multiple thin layers so you can adjust to changing environmental conditions.
- Buckle up. Whether you are going shopping, off to a holiday party or running to the corner store, wearing a seat belt is the easiest and best way to prevent injury in a motor vehicle collision. Make sure that all passengers are also wearing safety belts. Children 12 and under should always sit in the backseat. Ensure children are buckled up and their car seats are installed appropriately based on their age and size.
- Designate a driver. When attending a party, always designate a sober driver. If you are the host of a holiday gathering, provide non-alcoholic beverages for guests who are driving.
- Decorate only with flame-retardant or noncombustible materials. Avoid using candles during parties. If guests will be smoking, provide them with large, deep ashtrays and check them frequently. After the party, check in between and under upholstery and in trash cans for cigarette butts that may be smoldering.
- Beware of holiday candles. Take special care when burning candles and make sure they are never left unattended. Be sure they are kept away from decorations and other combustible materials. Never leave children unattended in a room with lit candles, and always keep candles, as well as matches and lighters, out of the reach of children.
- Keep Christmas trees fresh. Choose a fresh Christmas tree and secure it in a sturdy stand. Place the tree at least three feet away from heat sources and exits, and water it daily. If you purchase an artificial tree, be sure it is labeled as fire-retardant.
- Use care when hanging stockings. If you plan to hang stockings on your fireplace, do not use the fireplace for fires.
- Install and check smoke alarms. The Red Cross recommends a smoke alarm on each level of your home, outside each sleeping area, and inside bedrooms. Also, install a carbon monoxide alarm in your home.
- Practice kitchen and food safety for the little ones. Don't let children play in the kitchen. Always turn pot handles inside where they can't be reached. Never leave a child alone in a high chair – not even for a moment. Cut food into small pieces and have children chew thoroughly. Safeguard against choking, make sure children don't walk, run, play or talk with food in their mouth.
When you are looking for the perfect gift for everyone on your list, think of giving gifts that give back.
“This holiday season, more than ever, giving gifts that help people prepare for an emergency should be on the top of everyone's list,” said Scott Conner, Red Cross vice president, products and health and safety services. “Giving someone a gift certificate for first aid, CPR and automated external defibrillator training is a gift that can keep giving by saving a life – maybe even your own.”
Gift certificates are available at your local Red Cross chapter.
Other “must have” gifts are ready made Emergency Preparedness Kits. The kits come in three sizes including a handy Safety Tube, which can easily fit into a backpack, purse or briefcase. First aid kits are essential for every home, office and school. Having a first aid kit handy in case of an accident is one gift you will receive thanks for time and again.
Purchasing kits and safety guides is easy and convenient. Visit the Red Cross Online store at www.Redcross.org/store and your gifts will be delivered right to your home or office. While you're there, take a look at other novel gift ideas like the First Aid Reference Guides and Sports Safety Training Handbook for the kids. The pet lovers on your list will really appreciate receiving a copy of the Pet First Aid Book so that they are prepared in case their pet has an emergency.
Tis the season for giving! Want to help someone else give a gift that gives back? Make a charitable donation on behalf of another. Each year the Red Cross and its local chapters respond to over 70,000 disasters. Making a tax deductible donation will help assist the Red Cross deliver disaster relief and lifesaving training to those who need it in the year to come. Log on to www.Redcross.org to make a secure credit card donation and find others great ways to donate.
The American Red Cross would like to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season!
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