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Tips for a Healthy & Safe Holiday Season
December 18, 2023
It’s that time of year when friends and families in many parts of the world gather together to enjoy festive merriment and each other’s company.
While holiday customs and traditions are important, we must also keep the health and safety of ourselves and others in mind.
We’ve compiled some tips that you can follow to help ensure a safe and healthy holiday season.
Respiratory Viruses
- During the holiday season, respiratory viruses (including those causing flu, COVID-19, and RSV) are more likely to be spread. Vaccines are available to provide protection or lessen the severity if you do get sick. Check with your local healthcare provider for specific information.
- Don’t attend or host gatherings if you are sick or have symptoms. Avoid touching your mouth, nose, and eyes; cover your sneezes and coughs; and, wear a mask around others. Get tested to diagnose the illness and know which steps to take.
- Stay away from those who are sick. If you or somebody else can’t attend a gathering due to illness, a virtual get-together can be a fun way to keep in touch with those you care about during the holiday season.
- Handwashing is a great way to remove most germs from your hands. If this isn’t available, use a hand sanitizer with 60 per cent (or more) alcohol.
- Viruses spread more easily indoors than out. You can improve indoor air quality by doing such things as opening windows or using air purifiers.
- Check with your local health authority for updates and follow public health measures.
Travelling in Your Vehicle
- Keep your vehicle in good running order and have an emergency kit on board.
- Get a good night’s sleep before departing on your journey.
- Leave early and plan ahead for heavy holiday traffic.
- Confirm every passenger is buckled up, regardless of the length of the trip.
- Put your cell phone away; practice defensive driving.
- Don’t drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Trees (Real or Artificial)
- If you’re interested in putting up a real tree, make sure it’s fresh and watered daily once it’s indoors.
- If you’re using an artificial tree, ensure that it’s labelled ‘fire resistant’ by your local certification agency.
- Don’t put the tree near burning candles, heating vents, stoves, radiators, fireplaces, etc.
- Place the tree in a sturdy stand and make sure it’s well-secured, not blocking doorways or high-traffic areas.
- Keep breakable or sharp ornaments, as well as those with small parts, away from children or animals. The same goes for tinsel or metal objects.
- As soon as celebrations are over, or once needles start falling, it’s time to dispose of a real tree. Do so following local guidelines or recycling programs.
Lights and Decorations
- Only use lights approved by your local certification agency and check for recalls.
- Confirm whether lights and decorations are rated for indoor or outdoor use, then install them accordingly.
- Use the correct ladder when hanging lights. Don’t nail, tack, or stress the wiring, and keep plugs off the ground away from snow and puddles.
- Follow manufacturer instructions for recommended wattage and broken/burned-out bulb replacement.
- Discard any lights or cords with frayed or exposed wire, loose connections, or broken sockets.
- Don’t run cords across or through doorways, or under carpets or rugs; don’t plug too many lights or decorations into an outlet.
- Turn everything off before going to bed or leaving your residence.
- Keep potentially poisonous plants (such as mistletoe, holly berries, Jerusalem cherry, and amaryllis) away from children and animals.
Gifts and Toys
- Follow all age labels, warnings, safety messages, and instructions.
- Be mindful of choking hazards, especially for children under three (including button batteries or magnets).
- Check for local safety recalls or alerts.
- Dispose of toy packaging (such as plastic bags and wrap, staples, etc.) as soon as possible.
- Only an adult should install batteries; don’t make batteries accessible to children.
- Supervise children and teach them how to safely use their new toys.
- When giving riding toys like scooters, also give helmets and other appropriate safety gear.
Food Handling
- Wash your hands before, during, and after handling food.
- Keep raw meat away from fresh produce and other foods.
- Avoid cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards, plates, and utensils for uncooked and cooked meats.
- Utilize a food thermometer to confirm meats are cooked to a safe temperature.
- Refrigerate hot or cold leftovers within two hours of serving.
- Cutting leftover turkey into small pieces helps it cool more quickly.
By using common sense and following local guidelines and regulations, we can enjoy the holidays and help protect the health and safety of ourselves and others.
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Sources:
Government of Canada. (August 8, 2023). Tips for holiday safety.
National Safety Council. (n/d. Accessed on December 11, 2023). Enjoy a Safe Holiday Season.
Note: This blog has been adapted from an earlier version.
