Seasonal safety tips are a great way to keep the family happy and enjoy your time together. The holidays only come once a year, and you should be enjoying them. They are a time of togetherness, memory making, and giving. They should not be a time of trauma and illness or injury. The good news is that most people who brush up on their seasonal safety tips breeze through the holidays with nothing but a smile on their faces.

Seasonal Safety Tips for the Whole Family

We want you to enjoy your family time. Here’s a great list of seasonal safety tips to help you keep everyone free of injury and spend your time making happy memories that last.

Watch Out for Common Holiday Hazards

When it comes to the holidays, there’s a lot going on! Keep an extra eye out for these common holiday hazards.

  • Pay extra attention to the kids. The kids are usually in overdrive during the holidays. There’s a lot going on that will have them excited. And, you might be bringing them to new places or family settings that don’t have all the safety measures in place for childproofing that your own home does. Watch out for:
    • Dangerous food, drinks, or other household items
    • Toys, tools, and choking hazards that could cause harm
    • Hazardous alcohol
    • Decoration hazards
    • Poinsettias that are poisonous if consumed
  • Watch out for extra fire hazards. Winter is a common time for residential fires. With everything going on, it could be easy to overlook common fire hazards. Be sure to:
    • Never leave a fire or heat unattended
    • Keep children and pets away from fires
    • Never use charcoal or gasoline-fuelled devices indoors
  • Important seasonal safety tips involve decorating. If you are decorating, keep the following tips in mind:
    • Don’t block exits
    • Clean and inspect your location and all your tools and equipment before using them
    • Never use damaged accessories, cords, or lighting sources
    • Check for frayed or cracked wires with all holiday lights
    • Be sure all your electric outlets used are GFI
    • Choose holiday decorations that are non-flammable

Seasonal Safety Tips

  • Dress according to the weather. Be sure to stay warm in the cold temperatures and cool in the hot temperatures.
  • Know the basic rules and safety precautions of whatever activity you do. If you’re doing outdoor activities like skiing and snowboarding, be sure to dress appropriately. Know the basic rules and safety precautions for the sport or activity in which you participate. And always remember to dress accordingly.
  • Prepare the fireplace before the first burn. Your fireplace should be checked before you use it:
    • Never burn wrapping paper because it could cause flash fires
    • Keep all decorations or flammable objects a few feet away
    • Use sturdy, large fireplace protectors

Travel Safely

  • Plan ahead if you are traveling. Know where you are going and how you are getting there. Have an emergency contact keep your travel information in case of a problem. Be sure your GPS and map are up-to-date. Check for construction detours and weather issues.
  • Never tell strangers about your travel plans. Keep it off social media if you are going away as well. This can lead to a burglary.
  • Create an illusion that someone is home. Find home safety tips to create the illusion that someone is home.
  • If you’re driving, watch for the following seasonal safety tips:
    • Never drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or distractions
    • Buckle up-use proper safety restraints for children.
    • Travel during the daytime if you can
    • Keep a breakdown kit with a spare tire, jumper cables, flares, a flashlight, and a blanket
  • If you’re flying or using public transportation, travel with someone. There is safety in numbers. Always use a travel source that is trusted.
  • Don’t carry too much cash or valuables with you when you travel. Avoid wearing flashy jewelry or clothes as this can leave you as an expensive target.

Some other great seasonal safety tips are to drink responsibly, practice good judgment, and de-stress. Remember, this should be a time to enjoy yourself and your family. Follow these seasonal safety tips to keep the ones you love out of harm’s way and on the road to a safe, happy holiday.