Holiday Safety -- Tis the season to Decorate, Travel, Gather & Celebrate

Watch Out for Fire-Starters

Candles and Fireplaces

Use of candles and fireplaces, combined with an increase in the amount of combustible, seasonal decorations in many homes during the holidays, means more risk for fire. The National Fire Protection Association reports on average candles cause 46% of fires annually in December.

• Place candles where they cannot be knocked down or blown over, and out of reach of children 
  
• Keep matches and lighters up high and out of reach of children in a locked cabinet
• Use flameless rather than lighted candles near flammable objects
• Don't burn trees, wreaths or wrapping paper in the fireplace
• Use a screen on the fireplace at all times when a fire is burning
• Never leave candles or fireplaces burning unattended or when you are asleep
  
• Check and clean the chimney and fireplace area at least once a year
  

Cooking 

• Smoke Alarms - install, or make sure they are working!
• Don't wear loose clothing or dangling sleeves while cooking
• Keep flammable items away from hot appliances - like towels, pot holders, cloths, plastic, etc.
• Use a timer to remind yourself that the stove or oven is on.
• Consider purchasing a fire extinguisher.
• Download Red Cross Fire Safety Cooking Tips 
  

Food Poisoni​ng Is No Joke

Keep your holidays happy by handling food safely. Follow these food safety tips from foodsafety.gov  

• Wash your hands frequently when handling food
• Keep raw meat away from fresh produce
  
• Use separate cutting boards, plates and utensils for uncooked and cooked meats to avoid cross-contamination
• Use a food thermometer to make sure meat is cooked to a safe temperature
• Refrigerate hot or cold leftover food within two hours of being served
• When storing turkey, cut the leftovers in small pieces so they will chill quickly
• Thanksgiving leftovers are safe for three to four days when properly refrigerated

It's Better to Give Safely

Gifts and toys should inspire joy, not cause injuries. Thousands of children are seriously injured in toy-related incidents every year. Avoid safety hazards while gifting with these tips from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission:

• Toys are age-rated for safety, not for children's intellect and physical ability. BE SURE to choose toys in the correct age range
  
• Choose toys for children under 3 that do not have small parts which could be choking hazards
• For children under 10, avoid toys that must be plugged into an electrical outlet
• Be cautious about toys that have button batteries or magnets, which can be harmful or fatal if swallowed
• When giving scooters and other riding toys, give the gift of appropriate safety gear, too; helmets should be worn at all times, and should be sized to fit
  

To find out about holiday toy safety and recalls, check the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission website.​