ISN wishes you a healthy and happy holiday! Take steps to stay safe and injury-free during this time of the year.

Travel Safety
According to the National Safety Council (NSC), traveling by car during the holidays has the highest fatality rate of any major form of transportation based on fatalities per passenger mile. If you choose to travel this holiday season, consider these tips for safe driving.

• Allow extra time to get where you are going.
• Buckle up no matter the distance traveled.
• Don’t drink and drive.
• Get plenty of sleep before departing to avoid drowsy driving and driving fatigue.
• Never leave anything of value visible inside your vehicle and park in well-lit areas.
• Practice defensive driving.
• Put away all distractions, including cell phones.
• Store a cold weather and emergency kit in your vehicle.
• Read more about safe holiday driving.

Personal Safety
The holidays mean food, fun and family. It’s also a time to be extra vigilant about your own personal wellbeing, from food safety to your health.

• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash and monitor bank statements regularly to spot suspicious activity. See more theft and pickpocketing prevention tips from the Metropolitan Police Department.
• Keep potentially poisonous holiday plants such as mistletoe and holly away from children and pets.
• Be cautious about toys that have batteries or small pieces that could be harmful if swallowed.
• Cook foods to proper temperatures and refrigerate promptly. See more food safety information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
• Eat healthy and stay active.
• Manage stress. See tips from the Mayo Clinic on how to minimize the stress that accompanies the holidays.
• Wash hands often to avoid the spread of germs.
• Wear appropriate outdoor clothing to stay dry and warm.

Home Safety
Candles and cozy fires can set a festive holiday mood, but when combined with combustible seasonal decorations there is an increased risk for fire. The NSC shares that emergency rooms see thousands of injuries involving holiday decorating every season. Review these tips from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission when decorating and consider these additional tips on holiday safety in the home.

• Do not overload outlets or surge protectors.
• Ensure your home appears occupied and wait until you get home to post about your vacations.
• Use ladders safely and ensure they are stable before beginning to climb.
• Never put trees, wreaths or wrapping paper in a fire.
• Place trees at least 3 feet away from fireplaces or other heat sources.
• Practice fire safety and have an emergency escape plan.
• Turn off all lights and decorations before going to bed or leaving the house.