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Safety Tips for the Holidays

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By Debra Wilden, RN, CCRN, BSN

November 26, 2014

   Making preparations for safe holiday traveling should be at the top of your list. Always carry a winter storm survival kit in your car. Items to have in your kit include a working flashlight with extra batteries; blankets; first aid kit; high-calorie, nonperishable food; extra clothes; phone charger; ice scraper; sack of sand or kitty litter; matches; candle; and a metal can.

   The metal can may be used to safely hold the candle as a source of light and a small amount of heat. Secondly, “nature calls” can be collected and tossed out as needed.

   If you get stuck in a snow drift—stay in your vehicle! Snow and cold temperatures can cause hypothermia that can lead to confusion. Run your car motor for about 10 minutes every hour. Do not run it continually because carbon monoxide poisoning could occur. Keep moving your arms and legs to create heat and keep your blood pumping. If you have a bright colored cloth, tie it to your antenna to alert emergency personnel. Always check weather reports before leaving, and if severe weather is heading your way, consider cancelling or postponing your trip.

   Following a few general rules can make the holidays safer. Always have an emergency plan to use in case of fire in your home. Never burn wrapping papers in a fireplace as a flash fire can occur and possibly ignite trees, and rugs, and cause burns on skin. Never place candles on any type of tree. Place candles in containers that are not easily knocked over and are out of the reach of children.

     When choosing a fresh cut Christmas tree, look for all over green color without brown patches. Bouncing the tree on its trunk should not cause a shower of needles. Keep the tree away from heat sources; water it daily; and avoid blocking doorways and exits.

     As the winter months turn colder and we turn up the thermostat, our risk of carbon monoxide poisoning increases. Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas that can kill without warning. Carbon monoxide poisoning is caused by the burning of natural gas, propane, gasoline, kerosene, wood, coal, and charcoal. To keep your family safe, always have your furnace checked each year for leaks. Install a carbon monoxide detector near all sleeping areas. Never use generators in enclosed rooms or a garage, even if the windows are open. Generators should be more than 20 feet from your house. Carbon monoxide poisoning can have symptoms very much like the flu, but these don’t go away in a few days.

     Seasonal safety is about common sense and being prepared for sudden changes in weather. Take the time to follow safety measures, and have a safe and happy holiday season.          

 

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