HOLIDAY SAFETY
As our holiday break draws near, Temple University’s newly formed Safety Awareness Committee would like to offer a few tips to help the Temple Community enjoy a safe and healthy holiday.
Gifts
When selecting gifts, read the labels to ensure age appropriateness, consider abilities and skill levels, be careful of small removable parts (choking), sharp points or edges (cuts), and strings or ribbons (choking). Prevent burns and shocks by giving battery-operated devices rather than electrical plug-ins. When giving bikes, skateboards, skis or skates, remember that helmets and safety gear are necessities, not accessories. Remember to read the instructions and warnings before allowing your children to play with new toys and electrical devices. For older adults, select gifts that are not heavy or awkward to handle. Easy assembly or pre-assembled gifts are ideal for people with arthritis, while large-type or audio books would be appreciated by those with vision impairments.
Driving
Statistics show that more than half of all traffic fatalities are alcohol related. Sensible hosts make nonalcoholic beverages available for guests who are driving. Hosts and guests can use designated drivers, those who do not drink, to drive others home after the party. Remember that the easiest way to prevent vehicle-related collision injuries is to have all occupants buckle up.
Entertaining
Decorate sensibly for parties — use flame-retardant or noncombustible material. Avoid using candles and encourage smokers to smoke outside. If young children are attending, remember to childproof the areas that they will be occupying. If you are visiting with children, remember that the facility may not be childproofed, so pay extra attention for danger spots. After the party, clean up immediately. Early-rising children and toddlers can come in contact with leftovers (food, alcohol or tobacco) as well as small objects such as toothpicks.
Candles, fireplaces and wood-burning stoves
Keep open flames away from decorations or other combustible material. Do not leave children unattended in rooms with open flames, and keep matches and lighters out of reach of children. Never decorate Christmas trees with candles and never place burning candles near windows or exits. Remember to have your chimney inspected by a professional at the beginning of each heating season. Never burn paper, trash, pine boughs (sparks could float and ignite surrounding outside objects) or liquids. If you hang stockings, do not use the fireplace.
Food
When preparing food, wash your hands frequently. Fully cook meats and poultry and wash raw vegetables and fruits. Promptly refrigerate leftovers, foods that require refrigeration should never be left at room temperature for more than two hours.
Shopping
Be aware of your surroundings and remember where you parked. Park in a well-lit area, and if on a lot, know when the lot closes or becomes less populated. Avoid shopping alone and pay for purchases with checks, credit, charge or debit cards. Keep wallets and cash in your front pockets. Do not leave valuables (gifts, CDs, phones, purses) visible in parked vehicles.
Stress
Although the holidays are meant to be enjoyable, this season is often the most stressful time of the year. Planning can help reduce some of the tension. You can start by making checklists, shopping lists and party plans. Budget your time and finances. Remember to schedule time to relax and enjoy.
For more holiday safety information, contact the following organizations: American Red Cross, National Safety Council, American Academy of Pediatrics and the Pennsylvania Department of Health. For more information on health and safety issues, contact the Health and Safety Committee at healthandsafety@temple.edu.