Make Holiday Safety a Priority
Holiday traditions are a wonderful way to bring family and friends together, but holiday safety needs to be at the top of your list. Especially for anyone who lives in dry climates, fire is one of the primary risks during the holiday season. With more than the usual amount of cooking teamed up with Christmas trees, strings of lights and candles, it is especially important to be aware of holiday safety to avoid potential hazards.
First things first!
- One of the best things you can do for your holiday safety (or anytime) is make sure your smoke alarms are working properly. Check the batteries and do a test
- Make sure you have a fire extinguisher in your kitchen that is UL listed and rated for grease and electrical fires. Take the time to read the instructions now so that you know how to use it in a hurry. And don’t hide it. Make sure everyone who is helping in the kitchen knows where it is
- Keep all flammables away from the cooktop and oven
- Take care to wear clothing that stays close to the body so that you don’t drag sleeves near the stove burners
- Protect yourself from steam so that you can safely move pans around
Safety for lights
- Lights – whether on the tree, used on garlands or other decorations can be a holiday safety issue. Always be sure that you have lights that have the UL safety test tag on them.
- Get rid of any strings of lights that have visible damage or are malfunctioning
- Do not leave lights on when you are gone or sleeping
- Christmas trees with lights are a major source of fire, so choose a tree that is fresh, keep the tree watered and discard if it gets too dry or use an artificial tree
- If you have holiday lights in your office or store, make sure they are off when you close for the day
Candles and fireplaces
We all love candles, but they can be a major holiday safety fire hazard. Candles are easily knocked over and curtains, furniture and clothing catch fire very quickly. Consider using battery operated candles for a safer solution and perhaps a diffuser to get that candle scent. If you are having a fire in your fireplace, make sure your screen or glass doors are in place and keep an eye on small children.
Holiday safety for children and pets
In addition to fire hazards during the holiday, there are a lot of opportunities for small children and pets to be injured. Between ornaments, small batteries and a whole host of “interesting” items all over the place, children and pets can easily choke or ingest dangerous substances. Wrapping paper, pins, staples, tags, cords, ribbons, flower arrangements and even your guests’ glass of spiked eggnog or wine can be of danger to children and pets. If you have overnight guests, keep in mind they may not think to secure their prescriptions or other items in their room to keep your children and pets safe. With awareness and a little planning, you and your family can have a safer holiday.
Hire safely too
Using a professional CRA (Consumer Reporting Agency) for your pre-employment or vendor screening services will save you time and money. For a free consultation or more information, contact Genesis Background Screening Services at 866 944-0041 ext 101. Online, you can email or visit www.genesisbackgroundscreening.com. You can sign up to be emailed whenever we post a new blog at https://genesisbackgroundscreening.com/blog/
Genesis Background Screening is not a law firm and provides our blogs for informational purposes only. Blog is not a substitute for experienced legal advice. Research laws or regulations mentioned in our blogs and ask your legal counsel any questions you have to be sure your organization is within the law and compliant with regulations.
Jacqueline McClure
Genesis Background Screening Services
