Holiday Safety Tips for Little and Big Kids

Driving

• Watch out for distracted pedestrians and drivers
• Don’t drive while distracted
• Always buckle up
• Check your car seat before holiday travel
• Kids under the age of 13 should remain in the back seat

Travel Preparedness

• Prepare for weather emergencies with extra blankets, food/diapers, etc.
• Keep your cell phone charged
• Keep anything that can become a projectile in the trunk
• Let a family member or friend know where you’re going, your route, and contact information
• If possible, travel by day
• Keep a breakdown kit (spare tires, jumper cables, etc.)

Fire Prevention

• Switch off decorative lights before leaving home or going to sleep
• Keep candles and matches out of reach
• Check smoke alarms
• Review your fire escape plan
• Don’t have anything blocking exits
• Never use damaged accessories, cords, lighting sources, etc.
• Never overload on electrical outlets or cables
• Put away tripping hazards and clear away any debris from walkways
• Replace any dead bulbs outside and in hallways to ensure visibility

Gift Giving

• Make sure the toy or game is age-appropriate
• Don’t forget to include safety gear (e.g. helmet, shin guards) for bikes, rollerblades, etc.
• Stay up-to-date on toy recalls
• Don’t give young children toys that have small pieces

Cooking

• Teach younger children to stay at minimum three feet away from the cooking area
• Keep hot foods and liquids out of children’s reach
• Teach older children how to cook safely (e.g. wear mitts when handling hot items, always check if burner or oven is off)
• Separate raw food from cooked food to avoid cross-contamination
• Don't cook while wearing dangling jewelry
• Return knives to their proper place like in a wooden block or drawer
• Keep cooking areas clear of combustibles (e.g. dish towels, rags, napkins)

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