Question: What are some safety concerns that I should be aware of during the holidays at home and at work?

Answer: There are many factors to consider keep you safe during the holidays.  These can apply to work and home.  Below are a few to get you started:

1. Inspect electrical cords and decorations for damage before use.
2. Check electric decorations for a certification label. Decorations without a label have not been tested for safety and could be hazardous.
3. Do not overload electrical outlets. Overloading outlets with high wattage appliances are a major cause of holiday fires.
4. Protect cords from damage. Cords should never be pinched by furniture, doors, windows or attached by nails or staples.
5. Follow the package directions on the number of lights sets that can be plugged into one socket.
6. Turn off, unplug, and extinguish all decorations when leaving the house unattended or going to sleep.
7. If using a natural Christmas tree, water it frequently to keep it fresh and safe. If using an artificial tree, check that it is labeled “fire resistant”
8. Keep decorations at least three feet away from heat sources – especially those will an open flame, like fireplaces and candles.
9. Ensure all smoke alarms and fire extinguishers are in good working condition.
10. Prepare your car for winter and keep an emergency preparedness kit with you.

You can even go a step further and as part of a holiday gift, provide smoke detectors, first aid kits, fire extinguishers or emergency car kits as a token of appreciation.

 

*Brought to you by the Ohio BWC safety consultants.