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. The weeks between Halloween and the end of the year can go by fast. That means it helps to think ahead now, before the busy days start to pile up.

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. Battery-operated candles can give you the same warm glow without the flame. That can be a safer choice if you have young children, pets, or a porch with wind that could blow out a real candle.
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. This is a good time to keep pot handles turned inward, so they are less likely to be bumped, and to keep towels, mitts, paper, and other loose items away from the heat.
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. Holiday lights can make a room feel cheerful, but they can also create a problem if they are left on too long or if they are used near dry decorations. Check cords for damage and avoid overloading outlets.
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. A candle can seem small, but it can still start a fire fast. If you need to leave the room, take a moment to put it out first. That small step can prevent a much bigger problem.
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! It is smart to pause before you open links or share personal information. If a message feels rushed, strange, or too eager, that is a good sign to slow down and check it another way.
If you are traveling to visit friends or family during the holidays, watch for weather changes in the area you’re traveling to. In late fall and early winter, roads can change quickly. A trip that starts out clear can turn slippery or foggy later in the day. It helps to check the forecast before you leave, give yourself extra time, and make sure your car has the supplies you need for cold weather.
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. Holiday plans may include family dinners, parties, church events, shopping, or travel. If someone in your home is at higher risk, or if you will be around a lot of people, it is wise to think about spacing, hand washing, and whether staying home is the better choice.

There are also a few simple habits that can help in many parts of the season. Keep exits clear so you can get out fast if needed. Make sure smoke alarms have working batteries. If you use space heaters, keep them away from curtains, blankets, and furniture. And if you have stairs, dim hallways, or other barriers, think about how decorations, cords, and packages might make moving around harder.

For people with disabilities, safety planning can take a little extra thought. A battery-powered candle may be safer than an open flame, but it still needs to be placed where it will not be knocked off a table or lost in clutter. If you use mobility equipment, be sure gift wrap, extension cords, and decorations do not block your path. If you are hard of hearing or deaf, check that alarms and alerts are set up in a way you can use. If you are blind or have low vision, try to keep holiday items in the same place so the room stays easy to move through.

If you need help thinking through ways to stay safe at home, DNL can help. Our services are free, and we work with people with disabilities in Ottawa and Allegan counties. We can help you look at barriers, find resources, and plan for safer daily life. Call Disability Network Lakeshore at (616) 396-5326 if you would like support.

For online shopping, a few extra steps can save trouble. Use websites you know and trust. Watch for misspelled words, odd web addresses, and payment requests that seem different from what you usually see. If you are buying gifts for someone with a disability, be sure the item will actually meet their needs. A little checking now can help you avoid returns, wasted money, and frustration later.

If you are traveling, it can help to make a simple plan before you leave. Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to arrive. Keep your phone charged. If you use medication, bring enough for the trip plus a little extra in case plans change. Pack warm clothes, water, and any items you need to stay comfortable. If you use a wheelchair, walker, or other equipment, check it ahead of time so you are not surprised by a problem on the road.

Holiday gatherings can be joyful, but they can also be tiring. Loud noise, strong smells, bright lights, and crowded rooms can make some people uncomfortable. If that is true for you or someone in your family, think about small changes. You may want to arrive early before the house gets busy, step into another room for a break, or bring a familiar item from home. Safety is not only about fire and weather. It is also about making sure everyone can take part in a way that works for them.

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

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Holland, MI 49423

Services

Advocacy

Assistance Animals

Information & Referral

Peer Support

Emergency Readiness

Social Security Disability

Social Participation

Veterans

Skills Development

Employment

Transition

Nursing Home Transition

Youth Services