Keeping Safe this Holiday Season
Excitement and fun lurk in every corner during the festive season, and so too does the danger. It’s a time to be merry, but it’s also a time to be cautious because crime rates and accidents spike when people are cheery. So what should you keep an eye on? Are there things that you need to particularly worry about when the holidays roll around? We answer these and more concerns.
Common Holiday dangers:
- The kids!
Children, plus new locations, Christmas decorations, and strangers; that’s always a concerning mix. Kids like to explore new places, and it’s best to always have them in your sights when visiting new surroundings so they don’t wander off. While you’re at it, ensure they stay clear of choking hazards, like gift wrappers, and poisonous holiday accessories such as poinsettias. The same goes for your furry family members. Also, if you host a party, it’s prudent to clean up as soon as you can to ensure they don’t get to the leftover alcohol or anything else they’re not supposed to. - Fire!
According to reports, winter is the fire-iest time of the year, quite literally. Winter months are most notorious for fire outbreaks, maybe due to increased firework activities or the desire for people to go nuts, or both, and it’s that time of the year to be on high alert. Ensure gasoline-fueled or charcoal equipment are solely used outdoors, and that any no heat sources remain unattended. - Not bringing in the pros!
Are you trying to impress the neighbors with the grandest light display on the block? That’s awesome, just let the experts handle the set up lest you create a fire hazard! If you have no experience handling the grill, let someone more experienced takeover.
Decorating pointers:
If your Christmas accessories have seen better days and you notice naked wires and curiously looking cords, it’s time to get new ones! Damaged light decorations can lead to an electrical fault, and thereby a fire or electrocution, so it’s best not to take chances. Your equipment and tools should be in good condition as well and always opt for non-flammable materials whenever possible.
Additionally, make sure all outdoor electronics are grounded (you may need to call in the pros for this) and spread out the electrical load among your power outlets to avoid overloading. Finally, keep the entrances clear by decorating around or away from them.
Seasonal tips:
It’s a no brainer this one but someone has to say it: it’s cold so you’ll need to dress the part, especially when going out during bad weather. Stay indoors as much as possible and always opt for the home delivery option if you need to shop.
If you’re taking part in winter sports like skiing, you have to be doubly cautious and follow the safety rules to the letter. Always choose safety over fun, and if doing something is pushing the envelope, then don’t do it!
Also, take measures to ensure that the fireplace won’t be the cause of your next fire. You can do that by keeping flammable stuff far away, using a sturdy metal screen, and avoiding burning dangerously combustible materials like wrapping paper.
Traveling tips
Do your homework about where you’re going to find out about blocked routes or severe weather that may cause you to put off your trip. Get familiar with the directions too, GPS and Google Maps can come in handy and don’t ask strangers for directions because you never know who you’re talking to.
As for the home you leave behind, it helps to leave the lights or radio on, to give off the impression that the house isn’t empty. Burglary is at highest in winter because people travel a lot and criminals know that. It’d also be wise to let your neighbor know you’ll be away for a while and ask if they could stay alert for suspicious activity. Better yet, get a private security guard to watch things for you until you return.
Moreover, leave a copy of your itinerary at friends or family members so that you can be traced if the need arises.
Driving concerns
Always wear your seatbelt even for short trips because it only takes a second for an accident to occur. Stay away from drugs, alcohol, or anything that divides your attention to avoid fender-benders and purpose to travel when there’s enough sunlight to get you to your destination. The dark of night and the slipperiness of snow don’t make for good driving company. Have a breakdown kit at the ready as well, because cars are more susceptible to problems due to the elements.
Public transportation worries
If possible, don’t travel alone, bring a friend or two along for the ride. Stick to a trusted bus or train company, and never hitch-hike. When the road is short on public transportation, it’s better to spend the night at a motel than on the backseat of a stranger’s vehicle.
Keep actual cash off your wallet and leave the valuables at home to avoid drawing criminal attention.
Staying healthy and relaxed
If you must drink, do so responsibly. Avoid smoking if you can and keep up with your medical appointments since chances of getting sick are higher this time of year, given the increased interaction.
The weather might confine you to the inside of your door, but be sure to keep fit by working out. Work the treadmill, lift those weights, or do some yoga; anything to keep the blood pumping!
Most importantly, remember to get in some precious family time with the people that matter to you. Tuck away the social media and experience actual conversations.
What about holiday food?
A round of hand washing before meals is important, and so too is cleaning raw food before eating. Vegetables and fruits should be your friends this holiday, and for meat dishes, ensure everything cooks to completion. Do not thaw meats on the counter, instead, do so in the fridge i.e. take out the frozen meat out of the freezer a day before and put it into the warmer compartment.
If anything is left over from meals, keep those away promptly to avoid contamination. You may also need to set aside the cooked and raw foods to prevent one contaminating the other.
Be safe, happy holidays and a happy new year!
A lot of good happens during this time of year, but there are a lot of things that could go wrong too. Hopefully, with these tips, you can enjoy a fun holiday with your family unplagued by worry or disaster.
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