Holiday Safety and Health

Advice from the CDC:

Wash your hands often

Keeping hands clean is one of the most important steps you can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. Wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.

Stay warm

Cold temperatures can cause serious health problems, especially in infants and older adults. Stay dry, and dress warmly in several layers of loose-fitting, tightly woven clothing.

Manage stress

Keep a check on over-commitment and over-spending. Balance work, home, and play. Get support from family and friends. Keep a relaxed and positive outlook and get enough sleep.

Travel safely by car

Whether you're traveling across town or across the country, take steps to ensure that your trip is safe. Don't drink and drive, and don't let someone else drink and drive. Wear a seat belt every time you drive or ride in a motor vehicle. Always buckle your child in the car using a child safety seat, booster seat, or seat belt according to his/her height, weight, and age.

Watch the kids

Children are at high risk for injuries. Keep a watchful eye on them when they're eating and playing. Have potentially dangerous toys, food, drinks, household items, choking hazards (like coins and hard candy), and other objects out of kids' reach. Learn how to provide early treatment for children who are choking, and make sure toys are used properly.

Prevent injuries

Injuries can occur anywhere and some occur around the holidays. Use step stools instead of furniture when hanging decorations.

Keep candles away from children, pets, walkways, trees, and curtains. Never leave fireplaces, stoves, or candles unattended.

Don't use generators, grills, or charcoal-burning devices inside your home or garage.

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