Keep Your Holidays Safe!

Halloween is always the kick off of the holiday season for me, and this year is no exception. With the arrival of cold weather, we’re into the season, and this year I’m determined to keep it a safe holiday. Some of the tips suggested by FEMA include:

• Using batter-operated candles to light your pumpkin this year rather than a candle. Candles can not only cause burns by little hands reaching into the pumpkin, but from hot wax dripping onto those hands.
• Avoid kitchen fires when cooking this holiday season. Do not wear clothing with sleeves that hang low or they may touch the burner and ignite. If you’re cooking on the stovetop, stay nearby and don’t walk away and forget you have food on the burner.
• Decorate using nonflammable decorations.
  Keep your Christmas tree watered frequently as dry branches are a fire hazard. Turn off tree lights when you go to bed or when you aren’t at home.
• Make sure to place your menorah on a firm, non-flammable surface where children and pets can’t get to it. Never leave any kind of candle unattended.
• Planning on doing your shopping online this holiday season? Be careful of scams and stick to trusted retailers. If you receive an offer in your email that seems too good to be true, don’t believe it and don’t click on it!
• If you are traveling to visit friends or family during the holidays, watch for weather changes in the area you’re traveling to.
• When planning your holiday festivities, keep in mind that we can still get COVID-19. Keep an eye on what’s going on with the virus and it’s variants in your community and follow CDC guidelines for staying safe.

For more information, visit Ready.gov and check out the Holiday Safety Social Media Toolkit, and have a wonderful and safe holiday!