The most important thing you can do to have a holly and jolly Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanza is to keep you and your family safe. During the time of the year where crowds are aplenty and the hustle and bustle of the season can often lead to distractions and sometimes even dangerous situations, here are just a few holiday season safety tips to help keep your kids, your pets, your house and even your car safe and sound this year.
- Child safety – The website More4Kids.info offers great resources to help you keep your children safe during the holidays. Always accompany your child to the restroom at the mall or while you’re out in public. Many places even offer family restrooms so a mom can comfortably change a diaper on one child while another child uses the restroom. It also lets a dad not have to take his daughter into a men’s restroom. Also, when out and about, make sure your child can recognize trustworthy people whether in a store or wherever you are. Point out the security guards, store clerks and police officers. Then remind them to always stay put if they can’t find you. Reassure them that you will come find them and that they must not ever go looking for you, for their own safety.
- Pet safety – The ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) offers many helpful tips for keeping your pets safe during the holidays. They suggest making sure your holiday tree is secured into place so your cat can’t climb it and knock it over, which could cause electrical fires from the lights or other damage to your home. Also, make sure you replace your beloved holly and mistletoe plants for artificial versions, as they can have various harmful effects on your pet’s digestive tract. And above all else, use common sense when it comes to your pet. From what holiday treats you feed them to the gifts you decide to buy your pooch or kitty, make sure they are all animal friendly and safe to eat, chew and play with.
- House safety – When you are decorating your home for the holidays, there are many things to keep in mind when it comes to home safety, especially fire safety during the holidays. For starters, when it comes to having a live Christmas tree within the house, always remember to water it properly. A dried out evergreen tree is more prone to catch fire than a live, well-watered one. Also, don’t position it near your fireplace, radiator or other heat source, explains the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission at CPSC.gov. And never block a doorway with a holiday tree or other large holiday decorations. Also, follow safety guidelines when it comes to those twinkling holiday lights that are often found strung on the outside of houses and indoors. Never put yourself at risk when trying to decorate the inside or outside of your home.
- Car safety – For some reason, the holidays often bring out the worst in drivers. But whether you’re rushed to find the perfect gift or late for a holiday party, it’s always important to drive safely when out and about. For many, the holidays include sleet, snow and ice. These winter driving conditions call for even more careful maneuvering and slower speeds. And remember, it’s never a good idea to text, mess with the radio or GPS settings or even eat while driving. Go one step further in your quest for safe driving and make sure you have the right online auto insurance to keep your car and your family safe on the road. If you’re not sure you have the proper coverage for your family’s needs, request a few new vehicle insurance quotes to help you make the right decision.
There are so many holiday season safety tips to keep you and your loved ones and property safe and sound this holiday season. These are just a few ways to do just that. From protecting your children and pets to keeping your home and car safe from fire and danger, be sure to do your part to keep the most wonderful time of the year merry and bright.
Sponsored content was created and provided by Nationwide Insurance.
By: Micah Moon
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