Old fashioned Christmas celebrations featured wax candles on live tree branches – inside homes! Today we know better, but risks still remain. If your family prefers real trees, be sure to water yours every day because dry needles and wood catch fire more easily. Go ahead and use many strings of light, but don’t plug more than 3 strings into each other (opt for a power strip instead). Discard light strings that are worn or broken. And be sure to always unplug the lights before leaving the house or going to sleep.
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Nothing takes the chill off winter holidays like the light and heat of a fire on your hearth. Just be sure to keep “fuel” – from wrapping paper to rugs to clothing – at least three feet away from the flames. Use a fire screen to keep embers and logs from escaping. Lastly, make sure all embers are fully extinguished before you turn in for the night.
It’s possible to buy electric menorahs and kinaras, but if you prefer traditional candles you can still celebrate Hanukkah and Kwanzaa in a fire smart way. Keep flammable items, including curtains and holiday decorations, at least 3 feet away from your candles. Place your menorah or kinara on a non-flammable surface to catch the melting candle wax, such as a tray lined with aluminum foil. Never leave lit candles unattended.
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If you're driving during the holidays, avoid peak travel times and make sure your car is road-trip ready. Pack an emergency kit, first aid supplies, and share your travel plans with someone. Check weather forecasts and plan around storms. Stay alert, buckle up, slow down, and never drive impaired. Rotate drivers on long trips and take breaks to avoid fatigue. If your car breaks down, pull off the road as far as possible.
The Red Cross encourages everyone to stay off the road during snow or freezing rain whenever possible. If you must drive, make sure your gas tank is full and your vehicle’s lights and windows are clean to improve visibility. Keep a safe distance from other vehicles, as sudden stops are more difficult on wet or icy roads. Avoid using cruise control in winter conditions and stay focused by minimizing distractions like your cell phone. Be especially cautious on ramps, bridges, and overpasses, which freeze before other roadways.
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When flying or taking a train, remember that surfaces are shared. Handle your own belongings, wash hands often, and carry sanitizer and wipes. Bring your own pillow and blanket to shield against surfaces. Avoid touching your face, and sneeze or cough into a tissue or sleeve. If you've been sick or exposed to illness, consider postponing your trip—flu season is active, and you may be contagious before symptoms appear.
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Putting up decorations inside or outside your home enhances its appearance and boosts holiday spirit. However, decorating can lead to injuries without proper safety precautions. When using ladders, select the appropriate type for the task, considering height, weight capacity and style (step ladder, extension ladder, etc.). Inspect for defects like cracks, warps, or loose parts. Secure the ladder at the top or bottom to prevent slipping. Keep your body centered and avoid overreaching. Never stand on the top step, as this causes instability. On icy days, salt driveways and sidewalks to prevent falls at your home.
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Good body mechanics help prevent injuries when handling packages, gifts, trees, and even nieces, nephews or grandchildren. Maintain a neutral spine by aligning head, shoulders and hips. Keep your center of gravity low and balanced. Use your legs, not your back, when lifting. Hold items close and avoid twisting; turn your whole body instead. Widen your base by placing feet shoulder-width apart. If someone injures their back, have them lie on a firm surface. For acute injuries, apply ice packs wrapped in cloth for 15–20 minutes. After a few days, use heat packs to relax muscles. Avoid twisting or lifting to prevent aggravation.
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Spending more time in crowded kitchens increases the risk of accidents, as distractions can lead to burns and cuts from hurried food preparation. Prompt, proper treatment is crucial to prevent infection and promote healing.
For burns: Run cool water over the area for 10–20 minutes. If unavailable, use a cool, wet washcloth. Cover with a sterile, non-stick bandage or cloth. Don’t apply ice, butter, or ointments. Seek medical help for burns larger than 3 inches or deep, blistering ones.
For cuts: Seek medical help if the cut is deep enough to expose fat, muscle, or bone, or if bleeding doesn’t stop after 10 minutes of pressure.
No holiday celebration would be complete without a feast, but be sure to take precautions against kitchen fires when you’re cooking and baking. That includes keeping children and flammable items such as grocery bags and kitchen towels away from the stove and oven. Clean up greasy spills as you go to remove another fire hazard. If you’re deep frying a turkey, keep the fryer well away from structures and trees, make sure your turkey is fully thawed, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your fryer.
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