Choose Safe Decorations: Use flame-resistant or flame-retardant decorations, and avoid placing them near heat sources like fireplaces or space heaters.

Inspect Holiday Lights: Check for frayed wires, broken bulbs, or damaged plugs. Replace any damaged lights and avoid overloading electrical outlets.

Water Your Tree: If you have a live Christmas tree, keep it well-watered to reduce the risk of fire. Dry trees can catch fire quickly.

Keep Candles Safe: Place candles in stable holders and keep them away from flammable items. Never leave candles unattended, especially near decorations.

Use Ladders Safely: When hanging decorations, use a sturdy ladder and have someone hold it for stability.

Mind the Kitchen: Avoid leaving cooking food unattended, and keep flammable items like towels and potholders away from the stove.

Monitor Children and Pets: Keep breakable or small decorations out of reach to prevent choking hazards or injuries.

Dispose of Wrapping Paper Properly: Do not burn wrapping paper in a fireplace, as it can cause a flash fire.

Inspect Your Heating Equipment: Have your furnace, fireplace, and chimney inspected annually by a qualified professional.

Use Space Heaters Wisely: Place space heaters on a flat, stable surface and keep them at least three feet away from anything flammable. Always turn them off before leaving the room or going to bed.

Never Use Ovens for Heating: Ovens are not designed to heat homes and can be a fire and carbon monoxide hazard.

Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Place detectors on each level of your home and near sleeping areas. Test them monthly and replace the batteries as needed.

Know the Symptoms of CO Poisoning: Headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, and confusion are signs of carbon monoxide poisoning. If you suspect CO exposure, leave your home immediately and call 911.

Prepare Your Vehicle: Check your tires, battery, wipers, and antifreeze levels. Keep an emergency kit in your car with blankets, water, snacks, a flashlight, and jumper cables.

Drive Cautiously: Reduce speed on icy roads and increase your following distance. Avoid sudden stops and sharp turns.

Stay Informed: Check weather conditions before heading out and avoid driving during severe winter storms if possible.

Be Cautious with Candles: Never leave candles unattended, and keep them away from flammable items. Consider using battery-operated candles.

Keep Fireplaces Safe: Use a sturdy screen to prevent sparks from escaping and dispose of ashes in a metal container only after they are completely cool.

Test Smoke Alarms: Ensure all smoke alarms in your home are working. Test them monthly and replace alarms that are 10 years old or older.

Dress Warmly: Wear layers, including a hat, gloves, and waterproof boots, to protect against frostbite and hypothermia.

Avoid Walking on Ice: Black ice can be difficult to see and very slippery. Use handrails and walk on treated paths whenever possible.

Create a Winter Emergency Kit: Include non-perishable food, water, flashlights, batteries, a first-aid kit, medications, and extra blankets.

Have a Communication Plan: Make sure your family knows how to contact each other during an emergency.

Know Local Resources: Stay connected with your community’s emergency services for updates on weather, road conditions, and shelter locations.

Stay Informed: Monitor weather forecasts and listen for severe weather alerts through local radio, TV, or emergency apps.

Prepare Your Home: Check and clear gutters, downspouts, and drains to prevent water accumulation. Seal any leaks in windows or roofs.

Avoid Floodwaters: Never walk, swim, or drive through floodwaters. Just six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet, and one foot can sweep away a vehicle.

Emergency Kit: Have a storm emergency kit with essentials like flashlights, batteries, waterproof clothing, food, and water.

Drive Safely: Reduce speed, turn on headlights, and avoid driving through standing water, as it can hide potholes or damage roads.

Secure Outdoor Items: Bring in or tie down items like patio furniture and garbage cans to prevent them from becoming projectiles in strong winds.

Stay Indoors: During severe storms, avoid windows and stay in the safest interior room of your home.