Have A Very Merry Safe Christmas

The time of year most kids look forward to with anticipation, and many adults love as well is Christmas. It is a happy time of year usually celebrated with family, friends, shopping, parties, etc. With all of the celebrations come an increased risk to your safety. The following is a look at some Christmas safety tips:

First, one of the biggest risks at Christmas time is the tree. Many people get hurt chopping down their own tree, lighting it, and setting it up, etc. So, consider the following.

Tip one: Buy a tree cut by a professional, get a fake tree, or use safety precautions when chopping down your own tree. If you are unfamiliar with the chain saw, or whatever device you are using to chop the tree, let someone else do it, or you might lose a finger, arm, or worse.

Tip two: When lighting a Christmas tree, first make sure you do not use live flames, etc. but electric, and even with that, if you are using a real tree, make sure it is well watered, as dry needles can catch on fire from the heat of Christmas lights.

Tip three: Make sure your tree is in a sturdy and stable stand, and that it won’t be knocked or pulled over easily. This is especially important if you have small children.

Roads and shopping malls are also dangerous at Christmas, with ice and snow, and crowded parking lots and stores. So, consider these Christmas safety tips:

Tip one: If you take small children shopping with you, hold their hand, or put them in a stroller that straps them in. This is really important, a child can easily be distracted and lost in a crowded store.

Tip two: Keep your eye open to cars and surfaces when walking through store lots, as ice can cause slips and falls, as well as cars that lose control.

Tip three: Make sure your vehicle has tires with good tread, or snow tires if you live in a particularly snowy area.

Another thing to be careful about during holidays is driving sober. Make sure you do not drive impaired, as that combined with wet, slick roads can be a fatal combination.

Last but not least, during Christmas time, be wary of strangers. Often people forget that not everyone is as trusting and cheery during the holidays as they are. If you are out caroling, don’t accept food from strangers. If you are at a party where you don’t know everyone, get your own beverages, keep a close eye on children, and watch your purse or wallet so that you don’t get pick pocketed.

Christmas is supposed to be a joyous time of year, and a time to celebrate with family and friends. Don’t let an accident or injury keep you from enjoying the season. Take precautions, be smart, use your head, and consider your surroundings. A few moments shoveling a walk and placing ice melt can save a lot of hassle later. So, use good judgment and you will have a safe, happy, holiday.