The Red Cross offers safety tips and reminders for the holiday season and cold weather
  

Beware of holiday lighting. Take special care when burning candles and make sure they are never left unattended. Be sure they are kept away from decorations and other combustible materials. Don't leave children unattended in a room with lit candles, and always keep candles, as well as matches and lighters, out of the reach of children. Never display lighted candles in windows or near exits.

Decorate only with flame-retardant or noncombustible materials. Avoid using candles during parties. If guests will be smoking, provide them with large, deep ashtrays and check them frequently. After the party, check inside and under upholstery and in trash cans for cigarette butts that may be smoldering.  

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. If you plan to hang stockings on your fireplace, do not use the fireplace for fires.

Designate a driver. When attending a party, always designate a non-drinking driver. If you are the host of a holiday gathering, be sure there are non-alcoholic beverages available for guests who are driving.

Buckle up. During the holiday months, people travel more than ever. Wearing a seat belt is the easiest and best way to prevent injury in a motor vehicle collision. Ensure that all passengers are also wearing safety belts.

Enroll in a first aid and CPR course. Although these tips can help prevent an emergency, it is also important to be prepared should an emergency situation arise.

Got pets? A Red Cross pet first aid class can help people help their pets.

Dress appropriately before going outdoors. The air temperature does not have to be below freezing for someone to experience cold emergencies such as hypothermia and frostbite. Wind speed can create dangerously cold conditions even when the temperature is not that low. Dress in multiple thin layers so you can adjust to changing conditions. Avoid overdressing or overexertion that can lead to heat illness.

Holiday traveling and winter can be a dangerous combination. Allow extra time when traveling. Monitor weather conditions carefully and adhere to travel advisories.

Keep a winter storm survival kit in your car . This should include blankets, food, flares, chains, gloves and first aid supplies.

Install and check smoke detectors.  Residential fires occur more frequently due to lack of safety precautions.

Make sure your home is insulated.  Caulk and weather strip doors and windows. To keep pipes from freezing: wrap pipes in layers of newspaper then plastic. Let faucets drip to avoid freezing.

Have your car winterized. Have a mechanic check your battery, anti-freeze, washer fluid, ignition system, thermostat, lights, heater, brakes, defrost system and install good winter tires.