'Tis the season to be jolly, but in all of our merriment we must not neglect safety. It’s not only essential to ensure that our food is safe; we should also ensure the safety of our homes and families during this time. Here are some tips that can help keep the season merry and bright and accident free. The holiday season is one of the most stressful times of the year. You can’t avoid stress completely, but you can give yourself some relief. Allow enough time to shop for gifts and meal items rather than hurrying through stores and parking lots. Only plan to do a reasonable number of errands per trip.

Decorating Safety

1. Never use lit candles around trees, curtains/drapes, or any potentially flammable item.

2. Small children and pets may think that holiday plants look good enough to eat, but many plants can be poisonous or can cause severe stomach problems. Plants to watch out for include: mistletoe, holly berries, Jerusalem cherries and amaryllis.

3. When displaying a tree, place it in a sturdy, water holding stand. Keep the stand filled with water so the tree does not dry out quickly. Stand your tree away from fireplaces, radiators and other heat sources, and be sure that it does not block foot traffic or doorways.

4. If you’re using an artificial tree choose one that is tested and labeled as fire resistant. Artificial trees with built in electrical systems (pre-lit) should have the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) label.

5. Use indoor lights indoors and outdoor lights outdoors. Look for the UL label. Check for broken, cracked, or exposed sockets.

6. Use no more than three light sets on any one extension cord.

7. Turn off all lights and decorations when you leave the house or go to bed. Unplug extension cords when not in use.

8. If using a natural tree, keep it watered to avoid dry branches catching fire from the heat of light bulbs.

9. Extension cords should be placed against the wall to avoid tripping hazards, but refrain from running them under rugs, around furniture legs, or across doorways.

10. When displaying outdoor lights, fasten them firmly to secure support with insulated staples or hooks to avoid wind damage. Never nail, tack, or stress wiring when hanging lights and keep plugs off of the ground and away from puddles and snow.

Food Safety

1. When preparing a holiday meal for friends and family be sure to wash hands, utensils, sink, and anything else that has come in contact with raw poultry. Keep in mind that a stuffed bird takes longer to cook.

2. Never defrost food at room temperature. Thaw it in the refrigerator, in cold water or in the microwave.

3. While doing holiday cooking, keep your knives sharp. Most knife injuries occur due to dull blades.

4. Use a clean food thermometer to cook foods to a safe internal temperature before serving.

5. Avoid cleaning kitchen surfaces with wet dishcloths or sponges. They easily harbor bacteria and promote bacteria growth. Use clean paper towels instead.

6. When reheating leftovers, bring the temperature up to at least 165°F to eliminate any bacterial growth.

7. Refrigerate or freeze leftovers in covered shallow containers (less than two inches deep) within two hours after cooking. Date the leftovers for future use.

8. Being a smart party host or guest should include being sensible about alcoholic drinks. More than half of all traffic fatalities are alcohol-related. Use designated drivers, people who do not drink, to drive other guests home after a holiday party.

Resources:
Holiday Season Safety - Permission to reprint granted by the National Safety Council, a membership organization dedicated to protecting life and promoting health.