Top Holiday Safety Tips

At Bob Evans, we love the holiday season. Whether you’re visiting friends and family, decorating your home, or preparing a delicious feast, there’s so much to enjoy about the holidays. In all of the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it’s important to remember that safety should always come first.

Here are key holiday safety tips and strategies to keep your family safe this winter.

Decorating

There’s nothing sweeter than a decorated home for the holidays. While you deck the halls and trim the tree, be mindful of these holiday decorating safety tips.

Choose the right tree. If you’re using an artificial tree, choose one that is labeled fire-resistant. If you have a live tree in your home, cut about 2 inches off of the chunk to increase water absorption, and remember to keep your tree watered.

Choose kid-friendly decorations. When possible, opt for shatter-resistant ornaments or hang glass ornaments away from children and pets. Keep cords away from foot traffic, and place big decorations (like trees) away from doorways and heat sources.

Use a ladder when hanging outdoor decorations, and safely recycle old or broken light strands. Never use nails or tacks on light strands - instead, hang lights with hooks or adhesives.

When wrapping gifts, make sure to keep scissors and ribbon out of the reach of small children. Remember to give gifts that are certified safe and age-appropriate for the recipient.

Traveling

Over the river and through the woods! During the holidays, many people travel long distances to visit friends and family. The increased number of cars on the road, along with winter weather conditions, can make for a challenging trip. Use these winter travel safety tips over the holidays (and every day):

Make sure your car is prepared for winter! Before taking a long trip, have your mechanic confirm that your car is up-to-date on maintenance and safety features. And always travel with a car safety kit.

Schedule your drives carefully. Plan ahead, leave early to avoid traffic, and stay alert while you’re behind the wheel. If possible, avoid driving late at night or in the early morning when there is less visibility.

Buckle up! Make sure every person in the vehicle is wearing their seat belt, and ensure that children’s car seats are installed properly.

Stay focused while driving. Cell phones are the main culprit, but attending to children while driving can also take your eyes off the road. Appoint a co-pilot to answer texts, phone calls, and the occasional “are we there yet?” from the backseat.

Cooking

It’s no secret that at any party guests always gravitate toward the kitchen. Whether you’re prepping a holiday feast or hosting a casual get-together, keep everyone safe by following these kitchen safety rules.

Store a small fire extinguisher in the kitchen. Even the most experienced cook should keep flammable items like towels away from the stove, and carefully monitor food to avoid smoke.

Contain all knives and sharp objects when not in use. Sheath knives in a knife block or store them safely in a drawer, keep scissors closed, and always keep sharp items away from the edge of the counter.

Be mindful of food safety. Always wash your hands before preparing food, wash fruits and vegetables, and avoid cross-contamination by keeping meat separate from other foods.

Want a farm-fresh, already prepared meal for your holiday dinner? Order the Bob Evans Farmhouse Feast. With a little preparation, you can make sure that your family stays safe and cozy all holiday season.