People love holidays, especially ones that allow them to spend time with loved ones. People usually find a fun way to celebrate a holiday; whether that’s a family get-together, parties with friends, following traditions, or short trips away from home. Anyone who drives during a holiday knows that traffic is the worst during these times; from congested roads to drunk drivers, holidays can be some of the most dangerous days to drive. While you want to be careful if you live in one of the worst states for traffic-related fatalities, everyone should take extra caution to make sure they get home safe during the holidays.

It is the time of year when holiday safety is an issue that burns brightest – from late November to mid-January. Families gather, parties are scheduled, and travel spikes. There are actions you can take to keep you and your family safe this holiday season:

Traveling for the Holidays

• Prepare your car for winter and keep an emergency kit with you
• Get a good night’s sleep before departing and avoid drowsy driving
• Leave early and plan for heavy traffic
• Make sure every person in the vehicle is properly buckled up no matter how long or short the distance traveled
• Put your cell phone away; many distractions occur while driving, but cell phones are the main culprit
• Practice defensive driving
• Designate a sober driver to ensure guests make it home safely after a holiday party; alcohol or over-the-counter, prescription, and illegal drugs can cause impairment

Decorate Safely

• Keep potentially poisonous plants – mistletoe, holly berries, Jerusalem cherry, and amaryllis – away from children
• If using an artificial tree, check that it is labeled “fire resistant”
• If using a live tree, cut off about 2 inches of the trunk to expose fresh wood for better water absorption, remember to water it and remove it from your home when it is dry
• Place your tree at least 3 feet away from fireplaces, radiators, and other heat sources, making certain not to block doorways
• Avoid placing breakable ornaments or ones with small, detachable parts on lower tree branches where small children can reach them
• Only use indoor lights indoors and outdoor lights outdoors, and choose the right ladder for the task when hanging lights
• Replace light sets that have broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections
• Follow the package directions on the number of light sets that can be plugged into one socket
• Never nail, tack, or stress wiring when hanging lights, and keep plugs off the ground away from puddles and snow

Remember to always turn off all lights and decorations when you go to bed or leave the house!