In order to ensure that your holiday is fun and festive, there are a few tips you should keep in mind to avoid a Christmas catastrophe.
Safety officials warn that between 2014 and 2016, there were approximately 100 Christmas tree fires and 1,000 candle fires that resulted in 10 deaths, 150 injuries and nearly $50 million in property damage each of those years.
If you’re utilizing an artificial tree make sure it is fire-resistant and if you have a real tree, keep it well watered to avoid it drying out and becoming more of a fire hazard.
When lighting candles, be sure they are in a visible spot, on a flat surface, away from anything flammable and always extinguish them before leaving the room. Also, never use candles as tree decorations.
While tree and candle safety is important, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the number one cause of home fires is unattended cooking.
This is why you should never leave the stove unattended while you’re preparing food. Also be sure to keep kids away from the cooking area and keep flammable items like potholders or bags stored away from the stovetop.
In addition to those cooking safety tips, avoid loose-fitting clothing, turn pan handles toward the back of the range and have a fire extinguisher in your kitchen.
If you’ll be frying a turkey, be sure to do it outside, away from your home. It should never been done indoors, in a garage, or on your porch. Safety officials also warn cooks not to over fill the oil in the turkey fryer.
When it comes to driving during the holidays, Indiana State Police officials recommend being well rested before traveling great distances since a fatigued driver is a dangerous driver. They also note that motorists should never get behind the wheel while under the influence.
The Indiana State Police will actually increase patrols now through January 2nd for Operation C.A.R.E.
The Combined Accident Reduction Effort is a federally funded program where troopers will be on the look out for motorists driving aggressively or impaired.
Make sure you arrange for a designated driver or plan to stay put if you consume any alcohol during get-togethers this holiday season.
