Celebrate Safely and Keep Winter Holidays Happy This Year

(ARA) - Millions of Americans celebrate the holidays by singing carols, baking cookies and spending time with family. The last place anyone wants to spend this special time of year is in an emergency room.

While holidays include celebration, they can also bring additional work demands, time and budget constraints, stress and travel. If combined incorrectly, this can be a recipe for harmful accidents. Dan Kovac of General Casualty and John Blodnick of Unigard Insurance Companies offer a few tips to help ensure that the upcoming holiday season is filled with safe celebrations.

Around the Tree

Unfortunately, Christmas trees are involved in about 500 fires annually, resulting in an average of $20 million in property loss and damage each year, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Kovac recommends a few precautions to help reduce the chances of a holiday fire.

* Buy a fresh tree. It'll stay green longer and is less of a fire hazard than a dry one. Look for a green tree with needles that don't break easily or fall off when shaken and a trunk butt that's sticky with resin.

* Keep real trees well watered. Cut about two inches off the trunk to expose fresh wood and increase water absorption.

* Make sure an artificial tree is fire resistant.

* Keep tree out of high-traffic areas and away from heat sources, such as radiators or fireplaces.

* Use safety-tested lights. Check that they're in good condition and discard or repair damaged lights. Turn off lights before going to bed or leaving the house.

* Decorate the tree with noncombustible or flame-resistant materials only. Keep unsafe trimmings, such as those that are breakable or contain small, removable parts, out of reach of children.

In the Kitchen

Homeowners often spend a lot of time in the kitchen during the holidays. Take extra care if children are around or helping with preparations. Keep them away from the stove, hot substances and sharp knives. Kids can help by rolling or cutting cookies using child-proof cookie cutters, decorating, mixing ingredients, setting the table or folding napkins under supervision.

Cooking fires are the leading cause of household fires, according to the National Fire Prevention Association. Frequently these fires are caused by leaving pots unattended on the stove. Blodnick advises one avoid wearing loose clothing and keep other combustible kitchen items, such as towels, pot holders, or plastic bags, away from the stove and hot burners. Turn off unused burners and keep a fire extinguisher in or near the kitchen.

Both Kovac and Blodnick recommend exercising extreme caution if cooking outside the kitchen, too, especially when using a turkey fryer. The CPSC stresses the importance of monitoring oil temperatures closely when using a fryer. If oil is smoking, it's too hot and should be turned off immediately. Only use a fryer outside and a safe distance from buildings or any other material that can burn. Keep children away from the fryer and monitor it at all times.

Behind the Wheel

As part of holiday celebrating, it's especially important to use good judgment and drink responsibly. Blodnick recommends carpooling with others and appointing a designated driver beforehand.

Statistics compiled by Mothers Against Drunk Driving show that holidays can be the most dangerous times to be on the road due to an increase in drunken driving. During the 2003 Christmas holiday (from Dec. 24 to Dec. 29) 47.6 percent of all traffic fatalities were alcohol related. An even greater 61.2 percent of traffic fatalities during the New Year's holiday period (Dec. 31 to Jan. 2) were alcohol related, making it the most dangerous holiday to be on the road.

During the winter, road conditions can also be hampered by snow, ice or rain. The Independent Insurance Institute recommends travelers listen for radio reports about weather conditions before and during travels. If severe weather, such as an ice storm, snow, hail, rain or flooding, is expected, seek an alternate route or change travel plans. If caught in bad weather, look for shelter and wait for the storm to pass instead of trying to drive out of it.

"A lot of people are busy during the holidays. That can lead to more mistakes and accidents," said Kovac. "Slow down, pay attention and play it safe - no matter if you're cooking, decorating or driving - and you'll guarantee a happier holiday for you and your loved ones."

Courtesy of ARA Content