Red Cross offers tips to make the holidays safer

The American Red Cross encourages families to use common safety sense during the holidays.

• Beware of holiday candles. Be sure candles are kept away from decorations or other combustible materials. Always keep candles, as well as matches and lighters, out of the reach of children. Never use candles to decorate Christmas trees.

• Test tree trimmings. When decorating with lights, be sure to purchase only those labeled by a testing laboratory. For outside decorations, use only those lights labeled for outdoor use. Don't overload electrical outlets.

• Keep Christmas trees fresh. Choose a fresh Christmas tree and secure it in a sturdy stand. Place the tree away from heat sources and exits, and water it daily. If you purchase an artificial tree, be sure it is labeled as fire-retardant.

• Protect pets and small children. Some holiday plants, like poinsettias and mistletoe, are poisonous. Ornaments and tinsel are choking hazards.

• Designate a driver. Always designate a nondrinking driver. If you are hosting a holiday gathering, be sure there are nonalcoholic beverages available for guests.

• Inspect fireplaces and wood stoves. Have your chimney inspected by a professional prior to the start of every heating season and cleaned if necessary.

• Buckle up. During the holiday months, families travel more than ever. Ensure that everyone wears seat belts and that children under the age of 7 sit in the back seat.

• Prepare a winter storm plan. Ensure that each member of your family has a warm coat, gloves or mittens, hat and water-resistant boots.

• Consider enrolling in a first aid and CPR course. Although these tips can help prevent an accident, it is also important to be prepared should an emergency arise. To enroll in a first aid or CPR course, call the Greater Salt Lake Area Chapter at 323-7000.

Go online to: www.utahredcross.org for more safety information.