Safety First! Protective Measures to Take This Holiday Season - EHS Daily Advisor
For many, Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the winter holiday season. Along with the joy of spending time with family and friends, this time of year can also be a dangerous one. Everything from colder weather to crowded roadways and unsafe cooking techniques can result in personal injuries and property damage.
Common Safety Concerns in the Winter
* Roads are more dangerous due to increased travel, traffic, and active deer populations.
* Sidewalks and roadways are more slippery due to ice formation.
* More people will drive in the dark because there's less daylight, putting drivers at a higher risk of car accidents.
* The number of reported fires usually rises because more people are using their fireplaces and their turkey fryers.
* People get injured from setting up outdoor decorations, such as roof lighting.
Roadway Safety During Late Fall and Winter
* If driving, leave earlier in the day to avoid traffic.
* Check weather reports, and be on the lookout for black ice.
* Remember that bridges and overpasses freeze faster, so slow down when passing over these areas.
* Invest in a deer whistle for your car. If you're renting a car while traveling, be alert for deer standing on the side of the road.
* Always keep a safe distance between yourself and other vehicles. For faster highway speeds, leave several car lengths between yourself and the vehicle in front of you.
Safety with Fire and Heat
* Fry your turkey outdoors in an open area away from your home. Additionally, make sure you never drop a frozen turkey into hot oil; the excess water can cause the oil to bubble over and potentially ignite the ground.
* Keep a fire extinguisher handy when frying a turkey. Do not pour water on an oil or a grease fire.
* Have your fireplace inspected and cleaned before lighting a fire. Chimney fires can happen unexpectedly and can burn quickly.
* If using a wood stove, only use dry, well-seasoned wood. Never light a wood stove with ignition or lighter fluid.
Putting up Lights? Be Cautious!
Just as roadways can ice over and become slippery during this time of year, so, too, can roofs and walkways. Plan to install decorations on a warm, dry day. Avoid putting up lights on roofs during the night, especially not immediately following a snowy or rainy day. Allow your roof to dry completely before getting on it to put up lights and decorations.
Finally, have a friend or family member help you put up decorations. Major injuries can occur when individuals put up decorations without assistance.
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