Tips to keep you and your home safe this Christmas

12/9/2020 (Permalink)

As we come towards the end of 2020, many of us are looking forward to Christmas, with the bonus gift of it being on a Friday this year. Although some of us may be celebrating a little different this year, many Christmas traditions will remain the same and it is important to keep safe while doing so. Here are some tips to keep you and your family safe.

Prepare your car for winter travel

As North Dakotans, we are used to bad winters, but it never hurts to be reminded of the basic winter travel necessities. Remember to keep plenty of gas in your vehicle, to keep your heat running, in case bad winter conditions leave you stranded on the side of the road. In your vehicle you should also have:

• Extra blankets or coats
• Jumper cables
• Snow shovel

If Traveling on Christmas:

• Make sure every person in the vehicle is properly buckled up no matter how long or short the distance traveled
• Watch for icy or dangerous conditions on the roads
• Call ahead to tell someone you are on your way and when to expect your arrival

For your home:

• If you plan on leaving for an extended period of time, make sure your home is heating properly and turn the water supply to your home OFF.
• Never leave open flames unattended. Whether it is a candle, fireplace, or someone is cooking, don’t leave those heat sources alone.
• 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
• Inspect lights for frayed or damaged wires
• Make plans for your pets to be taken care of

Christmas and the holiday season is a wonderful time of the year and if you stay smart and safe, you can have a wonderful time.