Traveling to new places during the holidays—or hosting friends and family at home—can offer some great opportunities to be prepared and help others do the same.
Everyone’s home is different, and during an emergency is not the best time for you or your guests to learn about new surroundings and hazards. Even the most seasoned of travelers can benefit from helpful pointers on local household safety.
Here are a few to consider:
• Make an emergency plan to use in the event a fire breaks out. See that each family member and guests knows what to do, then practice the plan.
• Make sure you’re aware of or share medical conditions with others. The information may be helpful to first responders.
• Not all homes are childproofed. If traveling or hosting small children, be aware of loose cords and wires, easily-accessible household chemicals and cleaning supplies, unlocked liquor and medicine cabinets, electrical outlets.
• Keep a flashlight with you or place one in each sleeping are so guests can find their way through the house at night and in the event of a power outage.
• Use good judgment when it comes to alcoholic beverages.
• Make sure pets have a warm and safe place to wait out holiday excitement.
• Make sure foods are properly prepared. Undercooked meats may cause food-borne illnesses
• Avoid overeating.
• Refrigerate holiday leftovers in shallow containers (less than two inches deep) within two hours of cooking, particularly meats and foods that contain dairy products. Bacteria can form quickly as food items reach room temperature.
• It’s nice to enjoy a roaring fire in the fireplace, but never dump ashes directly into a trash can. Allow ashes to cool and then place them in a tightly covered metal container. Douse and saturate with water. Store well away from the house or other buildings.
• Never burn gift wrap in the fireplace.
• Dried-out holiday trees are a fire hazard. Don’t leave them in the garage or lean them against the house. Check with a local recycling program for safe, green options for disposal.
So, no matter where holiday travels may take you, or who they may bring to your door, The GO|STAY|KIT® wishes you the best, and a safe and happy new year.
