Five Safety Tips for the Holiday Season

At Southland, we foster a culture of safety that extends beyond the workplace, reaching into the lives of our employees and their loved ones. From late November through mid-January — a season filled with gatherings, celebrations, and increased travel — it is pertinent to keep safety a priority. 

Safety Directors, John Mastromonaco and Kevin Dunn, lead teams focused on protecting both our employees and trade partners. They shared some important reminders to help ensure a safe and enjoyable season for everyone. 

Here are five areas to consider: 

1. Fire Prevention

The holiday season brings heightened fire risks due to candles, fireplaces, and decorations. To reduce these dangers, John suggests, "Check lights for damage, avoid overloading outlets, and always weatherproof outdoor electrical connections." 

Always turn off lights and decorations when leaving home or going to bed, and secure candles to prevent accidentally knocking them over. For added safety, consider using flameless candles near flammable items, maintain a clean fireplace and chimney, and supervise any open flames. Finally, test smoke alarms to ensure they are functioning properly.

2. Traveling

Traveling during the holidays can be particularly risky. According to the Department of Homeland Security, traveling by car has the highest fatality rate of any major transportation mode during this period, measured by fatalities per passenger mile. If your plans include road trips, focus on vehicle safety and prepare for winter travel challenges. 

Ensure your vehicle is in top shape, pack an emergency kit, and start your journey well-rested to avoid driving while drowsy or tired. Leave early to beat traffic, ensure everyone is buckled up in the vehicle, avoid phone distractions, and practice defensive driving. 

Kevin emphasized, "Designate a sober driver or use a ride share company to ensure guests make it home safely after a holiday party. Alcohol and over-the-counter prescription drugs can cause impairment." 

3. Decorating

During the holiday season, the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports an average of 160 decorating-related injuries daily, with falls accounting for 50 percent of those injuries. 

When decorating, always use a ladder instead of furniture to reduce the risk of falls. John advises, "Before use, inspect the ladder for any damage, maintain three points of contact, choose an appropriate height to avoid overreaching, and ensure the ladder's weight capacity is suitable for the user." 

4. Cooking

Cooking is a leading cause of home fires, responsible for 52 percent of all reported incidents, as noted by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). This season, always remain in the kitchen while using the stovetop and monitor larger dishes like turkeys throughout the cooking process. To ensure safety, keep children away from hot surfaces and liquids, store sharp objects out of reach, and ensure appliance cords are not dangling over counters where children can grab them. 

5. Gift-Giving

In 2022, emergency rooms treated 209,500 toy-related injuries, according to the CPSC. Choose age-appropriate toys for young children, avoiding small parts for those under three and electrical toys for kids under ten unless they are battery-operated. Additionally, keep floors clear of toys, bags, and packaging to prevent tripping hazards, particularly in busy areas of the home. 

By focusing on these five areas, we can create a safe environment for our friends, families, and communities. At Southland, we believe that safety is not just a core value but a priority — one we carry with us throughout the holiday season and beyond. For more safety tips, visit Supporting Mental Health and Well-Being During the Holidays.