Christmas Season Safety Tips

Store parking lots are full, grocery shelves are running on empty, and homes are glowing with flashing lights as the Christmas countdown begins. While decorating, wrapping gifts, baking and visiting others, Danville Life Saving Crew encourages you to take extra safety precautions this holiday season.

Decorating

• Replace lights with frayed wires, broken sockets and lose connections

• Turn off all lights before going to bed

• Never use lit candles on a Christmas tree or garland

• Never leave lit candles unattended or too close to curtains, decorations, etc.

• Always use a sturdy ladder or step stool to hang decorations - don't stand on chairs or furniture

Child & Pet Safety

• Keep holly berries out of reach of children and animals - they are toxic if swallowed

• If an ornament is broken, immediately wipe up all glass pieces and vacuum the floor to remove small shards

Wrapping Gifts

• After wrapping gifts, never toss paper or wrapping paper rolls in the fireplace

• Be sure to keep gifts, stockings and all flammable items away from fireplaces, candles and heaters

• Make sure all presents are age appropriate and never give young children gifts with tiny pieces that could be a choking hazard

Cooking and Baking

• Never leave cooking food unattended

• Always have a fire extinguisher on hand and know how to use it

• Thoroughly clean all surfaces that come in contact with raw meat and eggs to prevent illnesses

• Make sure stove-tops and ovens are turned off when not in use to prevent kitchen fires

Driving

• Never drink alcohol and drive

• Always have a designated sober driver or call a taxi for transportation

• Never use your phone while driving

• Always wear your seat belt, even when in the back seat

Danville Life Saving Crew wishes everyone a safe and healthy holiday season! If a medical emergency or fire occurs, call 911 immediately.