Holiday Safety

Traveling During the Holidays

When you’re planning holiday travel, plan for the unexpected. With millions of people traveling at the same time, accidents, mistakes and traffic are all bound to happen. So if you get stuck in a traffic jam, involved in a fender-bender or have to wait in the airport security line, take a deep breath, relax and be patient. The happiest holiday gift you can give your loved ones is your safe arrival!

 

By Car:

  • Have your vehicle serviced before long trips.
  • Make sure you have any maps you may need.
  • Have a cellular telephone with you if possible.
    Check on road conditions before you leave at www.dot.state.tx.us
  • Don't stop in remote areas to ask directions.
  • Don't advertise that you're from out-of-town by pulling over to the curb to read a road map.
  • When you get out of your car, keep holiday packages and other valuables out of sight.
  • Make sure you have a vehicle safety kit in your car.
  • Don’t drink and drive and beware of intoxicated motorists

 

By Plane:

  • Double-check your reservation a few weeks before your departure date.
  • Make copies of your itinerary for yourself and the people you’re going to visit.
  • Check out current Federal Aviation Guidelines about safety, carry-on baggage and airport arrival time recommendations at www.faa.gov
  • When traveling with children, pets or special needs individuals, make special arrangements with the airline and bring needed supplies.
  • Dress so you can breeze through safety checkpoints without stripping down.
  • Call ahead to find out gate information to save time Bring contact numbers and a bag with extra clothes and personal items in case you get stranded or the airline misplaces your luggage.

 

Celebrating Safe and Sound

Before you make merry, make sure you know how to keep yourself and your family safe during the holidays. Follow the tips below for a brighter (watch those candles!) holiday season.

 

Fire Safety
Holidays usually filled with more cooking, home decorating, and entertaining—not to mention an increased risk of fire. To protect yourself and your family, follow these safety tips:

 

Holiday Decorating and Lighting

  • Choose decorations made of flame-resistant, flame-retardant or non-combustible materials when possible.
  • Keep candles away from decorations and Christmas trees.
  • Before plugging in lights, check for damage.
  • Don’t overload extension cords.
  • Don't pierce light string cords with clips or nails when hanging.
  • Keep children and pets away from electrical decorations.
  • Make sure to turn off light strings and decorations and blow out candles before leaving the house or going to bed.
  • Make sure live greenery is fresh. Keep dried out trees and garland away from open flames.

SOURCE: nfsc.org

 

Holiday Entertaining

  • Keep an eye on the stove and oven while chatting with visitors.
  • Ask visitors to smoke outside and use ashtrays.
  • Keep matches and lighters away from children.
  • Place candles on non-flammable surfaces and away from drafts.
  • Don’t keep candles burning for more than a few hours at a time.
  • Test your smoke and CO alarms before any gathering.
  • Let guests know what your fire escape plan is.

 

Holiday Heating

  • Make sure any space heater you buy carries the mark of an independent testing lab (look for a tag or sticker).
  • Maintain a 36-inch clearance between space heaters and anything flammable.
  • Turn off space heaters when you leave the room or go to bed.
  • Make sure the flu is open before starting a fire in the fireplace.
  • Have solid-fueled heating equipment inspected annually by a professional.
  • Use seasoned wood to reduce sap build-up in your chimney.
  • Use a fireplace screen to prevent sparks from flying into the room.
  • Place fireplace and woodstove ashes in a metal container.
  • Test smoke and CO alarms monthly.

Christmas tree fires in U.S. homes result in over 20 deaths and $11 million in direct property damage each year. Source: nfsc.org