Celebrating Safely

The last three months of the year have come to represent a season of “more”—more food, more lights, more compassion, more wood burning, more charity, more driving, and more get-togethers. In the same light, this time has statistically developed into a period of more risks and hazards. Hence, this winter season, take the time to celebrate more safely.

Drive More Safely

In the month of December, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 4,500 deaths resulted from drunk driving traffic crashes from 2017 to 2021. To help reduce the possibility of impaired driving, every person who ingests alcohol or any other substances that can cause impairment should—during the holidays and year-round—designate a driver to ensure they get home safely.

Moreover, the chances of being involved in a car accident also increase during the holidays, with more travelers on the road, wintery weather conditions, and more social gatherings to attend. In driving more safely, consider the following tips:

• Avoid driving distracted (e.g., visual, cognitive, and manual distractions).
• Avoid driving until snowy or icy roads have been cleared (e.g., plowed and salted).
• Give yourself extra time to reach your destination (i.e., do not rush).
• Leave space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you, allowing more room to stop safely.

Decorate More Safely

A large part of celebrating the holidays is decorating—hanging string lights, placing bulbs on holiday trees, displaying candles, hanging wreaths, and more. However, with each display setup comes careful consideration to ensure your safety and the safety of your friends and family. In decorating more safely, consider the following tips:

• Use LED lights. They run cooler, use less energy, and last longer than incandescent lights.
• Use flameless candles.
• Use a timer or turn your lights on and off, ensuring they are off before going to bed (or leaving home).
• Arrange your indoor lights so
  they do not touch drapes, furniture, or carpeting.
• Place the cords used to power decorations in low-traffic areas to minimize slips and trips.

Stay Warm More Safely

Fireplaces and portable heaters are popular means of keeping warm during frigid temperatures. They also serve as backdrops for reminiscing and storytelling, exchanging gifts, and watching movies; however, such means of warmth can result in fires and even deaths around the colder seasons. One of the best recommendations is to never leave candles, fireplaces, and other heat sources unattended. In staying warm more safely, consider the following tips:

• Always place a fire screen in front of the fireplace when a wood fire is burning.
• Place your holiday tree at least three feet away from fireplaces, radiators, and other heat sources, making certain not to block doorways. Keep flammable items, including curtains and holiday decorations, at least three feet away from heat sources.
• Ensure your smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector are working.

Be Yourself More Safely

For many, the holiday season is not the most wonderful time of the year. Whatever the reason (e.g., death of a loved one, depression, loneliness), exercise good mental health during this time. In being yourself more safely, consider the following tips:

• Be kind to yourself. Fully recognize what triggers your stress and take steps to responsibly avoid or cope with such stressors.
• Manage your time by taking time to rest. It is okay to say no to plans that do not fit your schedule or make you feel good.
• Take a break to refocus and calm down when things get too stressful.
• Find a support system in friends, family, a therapist, or a crisis helpline.

The Veteran’s Crisis Line is available for mental health support. The line offers 24/7, confidential crisis support for Veterans and their loved ones. Dial 988 then Press 1, text 838255, or chat at https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-help-now/chat/.