The holiday season is a time for celebration, joy, and spending quality moments with loved ones. However, amidst the festivities, it’s crucial to prioritize safety to ensure that everyone can fully enjoy the season without any accidents or mishaps. From festive decorations to travel plans and cooking preparations, there are various aspects of holiday safety to consider.
Decorations
- Christmas Trees: Choose a fresh tree with vibrant green needles. Keep the tree hydrated to prevent it from drying out and becoming a fire hazard. Place the tree away from heat sources, such as radiators and fireplaces.
- Lights: Inspect holiday lights for any frayed wires or damaged sockets before use. Turn off decorative lights when leaving the house or going to bed to prevent fires.
- Candles: Keep candles in sturdy holders and away from flammable materials. Never leave candles unattended, and extinguish them before leaving a room.
Home Safety
- Fire Prevention: Check smoke detectors and replace batteries if needed. Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and know how to use it.
- Security: Ensure all doors and windows are securely locked, especially when leaving for holiday travels.
- Childproofing: If hosting guests with children, childproof your home by securing cabinets, outlets, and sharp objects.
Travel Safety
- Road Trips: Plan your route in advance and check the weather conditions. Ensure your vehicle is in good condition, with properly inflated tires and sufficient fuel.
- Air Travel: Arrive at the airport with ample time for security checks. Keep essential items, such as medications and travel documents, in your carry-on bag.
Food Safety
- Cooking Precautions: Wash hands thoroughly before handling food. Use separate cutting boards for raw meats and vegetables to avoid cross-contamination.
- Leftovers: Refrigerate leftovers promptly to prevent foodborne illnesses. Consume perishable foods within a safe timeframe.
Holiday Party Safety
- Alcohol Awareness: If serving alcohol, encourage responsible drinking. Arrange for designated drivers or alternative transportation options.
- Home Security: Be cautious about posting holiday travel plans on social media to avoid attracting unwanted attention to an empty home.
Scott Davidson, Safety and Education Director, is available to further discuss heat-related illnesses and preventitive measures. As a benefit of your membership to MCA/CPCA, there is no fee for the following services provided:
- Job Site Inspections
- Tool Box Talks
- Site Specific Safety Programs
- Help with Third Party Safety Plans (ISNET)
- Onsite, at your shop, or at our facility training (Mobile Elevated Work Platforms, Fall Protection, PPE, Haz Com, OSHA 10, OSHA 30, OSHA Refresher and more)
- Site Specific Safety Consulting (Fall Protection, Confined Space, Trenching and Excavation and more
- You can call Scott for more information.