End of the Year Safety Awareness

It’s December and we’re betting you’re getting ready to enter full-on holiday mode, which means… you’re busy! We get it. Between holiday dinners, baking, and shopping, and the regular grind of work, school, chores, and more—today’s family is swamped with activities. Throwing the holidays into our regular routines can make December a little crazy; and as medical professionals, we see the effects of this hectic season result in injuries every year.

This year, let us help you keep your family safe with some common-sense tips that are easily overlooked during the busy winter season.

• Always carry a well-stocked winter emergency car kit when traveling.
  
• Don’t drink and drive, and don’t let others drink and drive, to help keep the roads safe for everyone.
  
• Exposure to freezing temperatures can cause health problems and serious injury. Remember to protect yourself and your family with appropriate outdoor clothing—light, warm layers with gloves, hats, scarves, and waterproof boots.
  
• Make sure your household is up-to-date on all vaccinations, including the flu shot and tetanus.
  
• Remember to practice fire safety—most residential fires happen in the winter months, so don’t leave fireplaces, space heaters, stoves, or candles unattended.
  
• Supervise your children and be especially mindful to keep potentially dangerous toys, food, drinks, household items, or other objects out of their reach. Many injuries can be prevented when we stop to think about the danger of drowning, burns, falls, and other potential accidents.
  
• Wear your seatbelt whenever you drive or ride in a motor vehicle. Buckle children into the car with the age/height/weight-appropriate safety seat, booster seat, or seat belt.