Winter and holiday safety: Simple ways to protect yourself

Nothing puts a dent in holiday plans like a trip to urgent care — especially if it means being laid up through the winter. 

Follow these useful reminders to help your family enjoy the chilly season and its many celebrations:

Winter safety

• Dress in layers. Layering is important for staying warm and comfortable. If you feel too warm, you can take the outer layer off. 
• Take breaks. If you’re outside for long periods, take breaks to warm up. Being out in the cold can reduce your awareness and senses.
• Prevent frostbite and hypothermia.  Keep your fingers and toes covered and warm to keep frostbite in freezing conditions. If you notice signs of mild hypothermia such as shivering, numbness or slurred speech, take immediate action to get warm.
• Stay hydrated. Even in cold weather, it’s easy to get dehydrated. Make sure to drink plenty of water.
• Warm up before exercising. Before any physical activity, warm up your muscles to prevent injuries.
• Beware of invisible ice. Light frost can be very slick. Step with caution to avoid falls. Be mindful of falling while walking your pets in winter weather.
• Wear the right shoes. Footwear with good traction will help steady you on slippery surfaces. If you can, stay indoors when it’s icy. If you must go out, consider crampon-style slip-ons for more grip.
• Prep for winter travel: 
  • Clear snow and ice from your windshields before you head out. 
  • Check your tires to ensure gripping traction.
  • Carry “just-in-case” supplies such as cat litter (for traction), shelf-stable food, water, flashlight batteries and blankets.

Holiday safety

• Check your décor:
  • If you put up a live Christmas tree, keep it watered. Secure it far from heat sources.
  • Use stable surfaces: Decorate areas you can reach without climbing.
  • Lighting safety: Wrap lights around railings or shrubs instead of rooflines.
  • If you hang lights, replace strands with frayed wires. Check these ladder-safety tips.
  • Be aware that some holiday plants are poisonous. Holly, mistletoe, amaryllis and poinsettias can be toxic to people and pets. 
  • If you light candles, snuff them when you leave the room. Or try battery powered candles instead.
  • Consider decorating at lower levels to avoid ladders. 
• Watch food safety habits:
  • If you are going to deep fry your turkey, make sure it is thawed and you do it away from structures.
  • Keep raw food separate from cooked food. 
  • Keep cold food cold and hot food hot.
  • Wash hands frequently.
• Think about guest safety:
  • Lock medications away from curious eyes and hands.
  • Remove trip hazards such as cords and throw rugs. Use this checklist to fall-proof your home.
  • Keep towels handy to mop up spills or melted snow puddles.
• Practice fireplace safety:
  • Have your chimney checked or cleaned before using it. 
  • Set up a screen to keep sparks contained.
  • Don’t burn wrapping paper. When burned, the chemicals in the paper stick to the inside of your chimney. That increases the danger of chimney fires.

Even when you’re cautious, accidents and illness still happen. If you or your loved ones need care unexpectedly, PeaceHealth offers urgent and emergency care. See where to go when you need care.