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