Safety Tips

Giving or getting a new tablet or smartphone? Download emergency preparedness apps and set up the emergency contact feature on the phone. www.fema.gov/mobile-app
Buying Last Minute Gifts? Provide a winter weather emergency supply kit item. Get the entire list at: www.ready.gov/kit

Talk with family about who to call, where to meet and what to pack for an emergency this holiday season. www.ready.gov/plan
If you’re traveling by plane for the holidays, review @TSA's security screening tips: www.tsa.gov/travel/travel-tips
If you’re packing for a flight, consider a small emergency kit: flashlight, batteries, & spare USB power bank.
Prepare your car for winter weather before hitting the road for the holidays www.ready.gov/car
On the road this winter? Fill out an emergency communications plan card and let your “in case of emergency contact” know your plan: https://www.ready.gov/collection/family-communication-plan
Are you taking your pets with you for the holidays? Add a few emergency items for your pets, like water and food www.ready.gov/pets
For safe travels with family over the holidays, think about your grandkids' needs when you pack. For resources for the entire family check out: www.ready.gov/kids
Pet travel tip: Pack something familiar like a toy or blanket to help alleviate stress. www.ready.gov/pets
Traveling by car? Remember to pack an emergency supply kit www.ready.gov/car

Cooking Safety

Unattended cooking is the leading factor in home cooking fires.
Did you know: Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires.
Holiday Safety Tip: Move things that can burn away from the stove. This includes dishtowels, bags, boxes, paper and curtains.
Holiday Safety Tip: Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove so no one can bump them or pull them over.
In case of an oven fire, turn off the oven and keep the door closed until it’s cool.
Keep an eye on what you fry! Most cooking fires start when frying food.
Be a safe cook this Thanksgiving: wear short sleeves or roll them up so they don’t catch on fire.
Watch what you heat! Most house fires start in the kitchen.
Cooking is the leading cause of all winter home fires.

Nearly 60% of home candle fires occurred when some form of combustible material was left or came too close to the candle. https://www.nfpa.org/public-education/by-topic/top-causes-of-fire/candles
Make sure to have working smoke alarms close to where anyone may be sleeping.
Keep candles 12 inches away from things that can burn throughout the holiday season.
Turn your holiday lights off before leaving home or going to bed. Every. Single. Time.
Remember during the holidays, don't overload extension cords.
Check the water and unplug lights on your Christmas tree before you go to bed. A dry tree is more flammable. http://youtu.be/RNjO3wZDVlA
Keep your Christmas tree at least 3 feet away from heat sources.
Consider using flameless candles during Kwanzaa or Hanukkah celebrations.
Hanging holiday lights can be a fun family activity. Stay safe by avoiding potential fire dangers. www.cpsc.gov/PageFiles/121347/611.pdf
Be fire smart as you deck the halls this season! www.cpsc.gov/PageFiles/121347/611.pdf
Ring in the new year safely by following these safety tips: www.cpsc.gov/PageFiles/121347/611.pdf
Happy Hanukkah! Make fire safety part of your family tradition. Visit the National Fire Protection Association for more tips: https://www.nfpa.org/~/media/files/public-education/resources/safety-tip-sheets/religious_candles_safety_tips.pdf

Connect with care. Do your online shopping at home, and make sure your home wireless network is protected. https://www.ready.gov/cybersecurity
Be cautious online. During the holidays, scammers may send fake emails that are too good to be true. Don't click on links! https://www.ready.gov/cybersecurity
Set strong passwords and change your password often. Do not set passwords that will be easy for cyber criminals to guess. https://www.ready.gov/cybersecurity
Too good to be true? It probably is. Shop online through trusted retailers to avoid getting scammed.

While the family is together celebrating the holidays, decide on a safe emergency meeting place. https://www.ready.gov/make-a-plan
Give the gift of communication this holiday with Family Emergency Communication Plan wallet cards: https://www.ready.gov/collection/family-communication-plan
Happy Thanksgiving! Today, talk to your family over the dinner table about where to meet during an emergency! For more tips and information visit: www.ready.gov/kids
Give the gift of emergency preparedness. Teach grandkids what to do before, during, and after a disaster. Download the curriculum to start planning: www.ready.gov/kids/educators

There is so much to be thankful for, remember to celebrate what has gone well.

Stay Safe ... Your SERT Board of Directors