Safety Tips As You Prepare For The Holidays

Thanksgiving and Christmas are known for their feasts and merry gatherings, with families traveling far and wide to participate in age-old traditions. We prepare tasty dishes, reminisce on years past, and shop. As we all move into this busy and festive time of year, here are some tips to stay safe!

1. Weather

Thanksgiving and Christmas bring more than gifts and time with family. It is a time of snow and ice and many hours on the road for some. As you are planning your holiday travels, keep your eye on the weather. We know not even the weatherman can fully prepare us for the weather coming our way, so here are some things to keep in mind.

– As you pack, be sure to pack for the weather you’re driving to. Just because it’s warm and sunny where you live doesn’t mean you will have the same weather at Grandma’s. Warm or cool, know the climate where you’re going. If Grandma is just down the street, you’re in luck!

– When planning a long trip, it would be wise to check the weather and change plans according to reported conditions. Not only can avoiding a drive in a storm be safer, but it can also save you time and gas.

– Keeping bottled water, a phone charger, a flashlight with extra batteries, and blankets can be helpful if your car stalls.

2. Travel

As we enter another holiday season filled with pumpkin spice lattes and peppermint treats, you will find yourself out on the road more.

– With all the extra travelers on the road, planning your travel time on days with less congestion is a great idea. Driving long distances can be safer during the day while many people are still at work.

– Staying alert while driving is essential to a safe trip. When you start feeling drowsy, it is time to pull over to a gas station or rest stop to get out of the car for a stretch. Taking this time to move around and getting a drink of water, coffee, or soda pop can help revive your senses so you can continue traveling safely. This is also a great way to give the kids a break to run around and spend some of their pent up energy!

– Perhaps most importantly, as you enjoy your holiday parties please don’t drive drunk! Plan ahead to have a ride if you are drinking alcohol.

3. Eating

The holidays are a time of generous meals, and we’re not here to tell you to eat less. We do, however, want to share some tips to make your eating more enjoyable.

– Food safety is important, not only for humans but also your pets! Be aware of what foods are not good for your pets and keep it out of their reach.

– As some foods sit out, they can become unsafe to consume. Packing leftovers away in the fridge soon after your meal can keep them safe – and tasty – to eat in the days ahead.