12 Holiday Safety Tips for the 12 Days of Christmas
December 13, 2006
Here’s a countdown of 12 safety tips for the holidays. Stay safe while shopping and at parties.
- Be alert and aware! It’s easy to be distracted by the crowds, selecting the right gift, being preoccupied with holiday activities. Maintain confident body language so criminals pass you over for a “softer” target.
- Keep shopping bags, valuables, purses, and wallets close to you. Keep purses or bags closed. The more expensive an item, the closer to your body it should be. Keep a firm grip.
- Supervise children at all times. If you feel you will be distracted from supervising them while shopping, make arrangements for a babysitter. Older children should take a friend with them when going shopping.
- Recognize that there is safety in numbers. Shop with friends and relatives instead of going alone. Each of you can look out for each other. Make sure everyone maintains awareness and is not distracted by each other’s company.
- Return to your vehicle frequently to unload purchases in the trunk. If you have to put them in the passenger compartment, put them on the floor and cover with a blanket. Unloading your bags frequently reduces the amount you have to carry. Also move the car to another parking space afterward.
- Watch out for loiterers near your car. Get a security guard for assistance if there are.
- Park in a well-lit, well-trafficked area of the parking lot at stores and malls. Avoid secluded and dark areas, as confrontations won’t be seen and yells for help won’t be heard.
- Have your keys in your free hand well before approaching the car. It will save time in getting into the car and the keys can be used as an improvised weapon if necessary. Lock the door immediately after getting in.
- Watch out for friendly strangers. They may ask a question or offer to assist you with your bags to distract you or put you in a compromising situation.
- When shopping online, make sure you are dealing with a reputable online store. On checkout, before entering your payment information, make sure the page is encrypted and secure. Keep your anti-virus, anti-phishing software up to date. Check the return policy before placing your order.
- After opening gifts, don’t advertise to criminals of your big ticket item with your trash. Tear down and cut up product boxes into small pieces to fit into garbage and recycling cans.
- At parties, always watch your drink and don’t let it out of your site.
The Twelve Days of Christmas Safety
On the 1st Day of Christmas
Ensure your Christmas lights conform to CSA or ULC Standards.
If using exterior lights, ensure they are plugged into a GFI protected outlet.
On the 2nd Day of Christmas
Never place candles near Christmas trees, furnishings, or other combustibles.
Candle with Care!
Make use of LED type battery operated Candles, they are much safer.
On the 3rd Day of Christmas
Make sure your family & any visitors staying for the Holidays know what to do in an emergency. Make a Fire Escape Plan.
On the 4th Day of Christmas
Decorations can burn very easily.
Don’t attach them to lights or heaters.
On the 5th Day of Christmas
Never overload electrical outlets.
Take special care with Christmas tree and decorative lights.
Take advantage of lower wattage, cooler LED style lights.
Always turn off lights before going to bed, and unplug any cords.
On the 6th Day of Christmas
Celebrate Christmas and New Year safely.
The risk of accidents, especially in the kitchen, is greater after alcohol is consumed.
On the 7th Day of Christmas
Most residential fires start in the kitchen.
NEVER leave cooking unattended.
On the 8th Day of Christmas
If you are planning to celebrate with fireworks, ensure you have a safe product, and follow all safety regulations that govern Family Fireworks. Proper clearances from combustibles should be strictly adhered to. Always keep a bucket of water nearby.
Never go back to a lit firework.
Remember, fireworks can be dangerous.
Children should be kept back the proper distances.
On the 9th Day of Christmas
Make sure any smoking materials are completely extinguished before going to bed.
On the 10th Day of Christmas
Test your smoke alarm once a month, and use the Holiday Season as a reminder to clean it and remove dust.
On the 11th Day of Christmas
Keep candles, matches & lighters out of reach of children.
Never leave burning candles unattended.
When you GO OUT – BLOW OUT!
On the 12th Day of Christmas
Take time to check on elderly relatives & neighbors this Holiday Season. Make sure they are Fire Safe.
Thanks for the share, G!
