Department of
Health & Human Services

Place Christmas trees at least three feet away from any heat source, such as fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights. Remember to add water to the tree stand daily to prevent drying out.  

Replace any light strings that have worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections, and use clips, not nails, to hang lights to prevent damaging cords. Do not exceed the manufacturer’s instructions for number of light strands to connect and avoid overloading electrical outlets. 

Avoid placing breakable ornaments or ones with small, detachable parts on lower tree branches where small children and pets can reach them. Always turn off all light strings and tree lights before leaving home or going to bed. 

Choose decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant. 

Never use lit candles to decorate a tree. Candles should be kept away from decorations and other things that can burn, and instead of using open-flame candles for a table centerpiece or decor, opt for battery-operated instead. 

Keep potentially poisonous plants, such as mistletoe, holly berries, Jerusalem cherry and amaryllis, away from children and pets. 

If entertaining in the evening, ensure your entryway is well-lit so guests have a safe walkway into your residence. Also consider removing low-to-the-ground décor or small furniture inside or outside to avoid bumping, tripping or falling. 

Always stay in the kitchen while cooking on the stovetop; unattended cooking is the leading cause of cooking fires and casualties, which increase each year during the holiday season. If using the oven, be sure to check it regularly, use a timer and remain home while food is cooking.  

Always keep children and pets away from hot stoves as well as hot food and liquids, as steam or splash could cause serious burns. Lit candles, matches and lighters should be kept up high and out of reach of children and pets. 

When cooking a turkey, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that improper handling or undercooking can lead to food poisoning and illness and offers guidelines to avoid poultry-related foodborne outbreaks.  

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends against deep-frying turkeys. Never deep-fry a frozen turkey. 

Test smoke alarms and tell guests about your fire escape plan. Don’t have an emergency plan? Follow these steps to get you and your family prepared. 

Provide a quiet, dark space for your pets to retreat to if they become overwhelmed by guests. 

Driving under the influence is more than drunk driving: it includes cannabis and some prescription and over-the-counter drugs, in addition to illegal drugs. To prevent injury to yourself and others, designate a sober driver or use a rideshare service or public transit to get to and from your destination.  

Distracted driving poses serious threat to people’s safety. Drivers need to take extra time looking for pedestrians at intersections and driveways. Plan routes in advance and always avoid texting or otherwise using a cell phone while driving.  

Pedestrians and bicyclists should maintain strict awareness of their surroundings, especially at night and when crossing streets, even when crossing in a marked crosswalk.  

Consider outdoor gatherings. Activities that take place outdoors are safer than indoor activities with regards to spreading viruses and germs. Try to avoid crowded, poorly ventilated spaces. 

Wear a mask when indoors (if 2 years old or older), especially if you are at high risk for severe disease and after close contact with someone who is known to be sick or who has tested positive for COVID-19. 

Get vaccinated with the 2023 updated COVID-19 and flu vaccines right now.  

People experiencing congestion or a runny nose, the sniffles, sore throat, fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea should get tested for COVID-19. People can buy rapid over the counter COVID-19 tests at most pharmacies.  

If you are sick or are awaiting the results of a COVID-19 test, the best thing to do for everyone is to rest at home.  

Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before, during and after preparing food, before and after eating food, after using the restroom, and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. 

If out of town, have packages delivered to a store, facility or a trusted neighbor and/or schedule package deliveries for when someone will be home.  

Opt for providing special instructions to delivery services. When able, ask for your delivery to be placed in a hidden area, such as on the side of your home or behind plants or other objects.  

When able, immediately bring in packages as soon as they arrive. Additionally, if possible, install exterior motion sensor lighting and home security cameras at your residence.  

Additional crime prevention tips are available here.