Day 1: Decorate Safely
- Never leave burning candles unattended.
- Check all holiday light cords to ensure they aren’t frayed or broken.
- Don’t string too many strands of lights together — no more than three per extension cord.
- Ensure outside decorations are for outdoor use and fasten lights securely to your home or trees.
Day 2: Artificial Christmas Tree Safety
- Choose a Flame-Resistant Tree
- Inspect the Tree for damage
- Use indoor lights.
- Avoid overloading electrical outlets.
- Secure the tree.
- Use non-breakable decorations if you have young children around.
- Turn off lights when unattended.
Day 3: Real Christmas Tree Safety
- Choose a fresh tree with vibrant green needles.
- Water regularly; Keep the tree stand filled with water.
- Securely anchor the tree.
- Keep away from heat sources such as fireplaces, radiators, heaters and other heat sources.
- Use only lights that are made for indoor use on your tree.
Day 4: Fire Safety Tips
- Choose a fresh tree with vibrant green needles.
- Water regularly; Keep the tree stand filled with water.
- Securely anchor the tree.
- Keep away from heat sources such as fireplaces, radiators, heaters and other heat sources.
- Use only lights that are made for indoor use on your tree.
Day 5: Secure your Packages
- Schedule deliveries when you’re home.
- Opt for delivery alerts & notifications to receive real-time updates on the status of your package.
- Request a signature upon delivery.
- If possible, have packages delivered to your workplace or a trusted neighbor who is home during the day.
- Utilize package locker services offered by some carriers or retail locations.
Day 6: Kitchen Safety
- Keep an eye on the stove and oven while cooking.
- Use a timer to prevent overcooking and burning.
- Keep flammable items, like kitchen towels and curtains, away from heat sources.
- Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and know how to use it.
- Avoid wearing loose clothing that can catch fire easily.
- Keep a clean and clutter-free cooking area to prevent accidents.
- Use oven mitts or pot holders when handling hot cookware.
- Keep children and pets away from the cooking area to prevent accidents.
- Double-check that all appliances are turned off after use.
- Properly store and handle raw food to prevent foodborne illnesses.
Day 7: Winter Driving Wisdom
- Check Conditions: Monitor weather and road reports before traveling.
- Clear Vehicle: Remove all snow and ice for visibility and safety.
- Drive Slowly: Reduce speed in adverse conditions for better control.
- Increase Distance: Maintain a safe following distance for added reaction time.
- Brake Gently: Avoid skidding by braking gently, especially with ABS.
- No Cruise Control: Avoid using cruise control in icy or snowy conditions.
- Use Lights: Keep headlights on for increased visibility.
- Stay Informed: Listen to weather and traffic updates for changing conditions.
- Watch for Black Ice: Be cautious, especially on bridges and overpasses.
Day 8: Keep Pets Safe
- Secure Decorations: Anchor the Christmas tree and choose pet-safe decorations.
- Avoid Toxic Plants: Keep toxic holiday plants away from pets.
- Create a Safe Space: Provide a quiet, safe retreat for pets during gatherings.
- Watch Table Scraps: Avoid feeding pets harmful table scraps.
- Limit Treats: Stick to pet-friendly treats to avoid digestive issues.
- Update ID and Microchip: Ensure pet identification is current.
- Avoid Toxic Foods: Keep harmful foods like chocolate and onions out of reach.
- Monitor Stress Levels: Watch for signs of stress or anxiety in pets.
Day 9: Alcohol Awareness
- Moderation: Enjoy alcohol in moderation.
- Designated Drivers: Plan for a sober driver.
- Alternate Drinks: Offer non-alcoholic options.
- Stay Hydrated: Balance with water.
- Know Limits: Be aware of personal tolerance.
- Eat Before Drinking: Consume food to slow absorption.
- Watch for Interactions: Be cautious with medications.
- Educate Youth: Discuss dangers of underage drinking.
Day 10: Childproofing for Guests
- Outlet Covers: Cover electrical outlets to avoid shocks.
- Cord Safety: Keep cords and blinds out of reach.
- Childproof Cabinets: Lock away cleaning products and potential hazards.
- Secure Decorations: Ensure decorations are safely secured.
- Choking Hazards: Remove small objects from children’s reach.
- Fireplace Guards: Use guards to protect children from the fireplace.
- Candle Caution: Keep candles out of reach and never leave them unattended.
- Safe Plants: Ensure holiday plants are non-toxic.
- Supervision is Key: Always supervise young children during festivities.
Day 11: Mental Health Manners
- Set Realistic Expectations: Manage goals and expectations.
- Prioritize Rest: Ensure sufficient and quality sleep.
- Schedule “Me” Time: Allocate time for personal activities.
- Stay Active: Incorporate regular physical activity.
- Connect with Loved Ones: Spend quality time with friends and family.
- Set Boundaries: Learn to say no and set limits.
- Enjoy Simple Pleasures: Appreciate small joys of the season.
- Reflect and Gratitude: Reflect on positives and practice gratitude.
- Unplug: Take breaks from screens and social media.
Day 12: Fireplace Safety
- Chimney Check: Ensure a clean, well-maintained chimney.
- Protective Screen: Use a screen to prevent sparks.
- Flammable Safety: Keep decorations away from the fireplace.
- Supervise Kids and Pets: Always monitor children and pets around the fireplace.
- Dry Wood Only: Burn only dry, seasoned wood to prevent creosote buildup.
- Extinguish Before Bed: Ensure the fire is out before bedtime.
- CO Detectors: Install and check carbon monoxide detectors regularly.
