Travel safety

If plans include driving, check the weather along your route and plan for travel around any storms that may be coming. Everyone should use their seat belts, and no one should drink and drive. Drivers should be well rested and alert and give their full attention to the road – no cell phones. Other driving safety tips include:

• Follow the rules of the road – observe the speed limit. • Use caution in work zones. • Make frequent stops. During long trips, rotate drivers. • Don’t follow another vehicle too closely. • Clean your headlights, taillights, signal lights and windows to help you see, especially at night. • Turn your headlights on as dusk approaches, or if you are using your windshield wipers due to inclement weather.

Shopping safety

If your holiday weekend has you at the mall or out enjoying the colder weather, below are a few important, personal safety tips.

• If you are carrying a wallet, keep it in a front pocket of your coat. • Park in well-lit areas that are close to your destination. • Don’t leave valuables in plain view in your car. • When approaching your vehicle, have your keys in your hand prior to reaching the door. • Look and make sure no one is hiding in or around your vehicle, especially in the back seat.

Cooking safety

Cooks should avoid wearing loose clothing or dangling sleeves while preparing the holiday meal. Never leave the stove unattended – if the cook has to leave the kitchen even for a short time, they should turn off the stove. More cooking safety steps include:

• Use a timer as a reminder that the stove or oven is on. • Keep children and pets away from the cooking area. • Keep anything that can catch fire – pot holders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging and towels or curtains – away from the stove, oven or any other appliance in the kitchen that generates heat. • Consider purchasing a fire extinguisher to keep in the kitchen. • Always check the kitchen before going to bed or leaving the home to make sure all stoves, ovens and small appliances are turned off.