Stay Safe During Holidays: Emergency Preparedness Tips

The holiday season is a time of joy, togetherness, and celebration.  To make your holidays safe and festive, here are some important tips from the Department’s Emergency Preparedness Team:

1. Decorate with Care

• • Inspect lights and use LED. Check holiday lights for frayed wires or broken bulbs before use.  LED lights are safer because they do not get as hot as regular lights and are more energy efficient.  If you use incandescent lights, be sure to turn them off when you leave the room or go to bed.
  • Be careful with Avoid using candles or open flames.  If you do use them, never leave them unattended.
  • Avoid overloading outlets. Plugging too many decorations into one outlet can lead to overheating.  Use surge protectors when necessary.
  • Secure and water trees. Anchor your holiday tree to prevent tipping, especially if you have young children or pets.  If you have a real holiday tree, make sure to water it daily.  A dry tree can catch fire easily.

2. Practice Kitchen Safety

• • Smoke alarms save lives. Install a smoke alarm near your kitchen, on each level of your home, near sleeping areas, and inside and outside of any bedrooms.
    • Test the smoke alarm monthly using the test button.
    • Replace all smoke alarm batteries at least once a year.
  • Never leave cooking unattended. Stay in the kitchen while cooking, especially when frying or grilling.
  • Get a fire extinguisher. Contact your local fire department for training on the proper use of an extinguisher.
  • Watch for hot surfaces. Keep kids and pets away from hot stoves, ovens, and pans.
  • Store food safely. Refrigerate perishable items promptly to prevent foodborne illness.

3. Stay Warm Safely

• • Check your fireplace. Use a screen to catch embers and have your chimney cleaned and inspected annually.
  • Give your heater space. Keep heaters at least 3 feet away from anything flammable and never leave them unattended.

4. Travel Smart

• • Plan ahead. Check the weather, and road conditions and potential closures, before traveling.
  • Avoid posting travel plans on social media. There are people who look for this information to commit crimes when you are away, especially during the holidays.
  • Don’t drink and Arrange for a designated driver or use a rideshare service if needed.
  • Stay Take breaks during long drives to avoid fatigue.

5. Be Cyber Secure

• • Shop safely online. Use secure websites and avoid clicking on suspicious links or emails.
  • Protect your packages. Choose secure delivery options or request neighbors to collect packages to prevent theft.

For more information on emergency preparedness, please visit the Consumer and Provider Emergency Bulletin webpages.