What is on your holiday safety checklist?

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Dec 14, 2015, 04:00 ET

The mission of the National Safety Council is to save lives by preventing injuries and deaths at work, in homes and communities and on the road through leadership, research, education and advocacy.

ITASCA, Ill., Dec. 14, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The holidays are supposed to be a time to unwind in the company of family and friends. The trouble is, most Americans spend the holidays at home – the location of more than 50 percent of unintentional, preventable deaths. If they are not spending the holidays at home, many Americans are traveling. Roads are congested and traffic crashes spike during the Christmas and New Year's holiday periods.

The National Safety Council encourages Americans to make themselves a safety checklist so whether you are traveling or hosting, you can enjoy a carefree holiday. Tips include:

Never use lighted candles near trees or boughs
Add an extra barrier to fireplaces, as glass panels can reach several hundred degrees within minutes[i]
When cooking, wash hands, sink, utensils and anything else that touches raw meat, and only use sharp knives
Make sure your fire extinguisher is up-to-date and your smoke detector batteries are new
Gift safely. Understand the dangers associated with coin lithium batteries, which come inside many toys, TV remote controls, watches and even musical holiday cards.
Be aware of how much alcohol you are serving, and make sure party guests who are drinking have alternative transportation
Buckle up, even on short drives
Never use a cell phone behind the wheel, even hands-free
Safeguard medications from teens and young children while visiting others or hosting guests in your home.

Download, share and print our holiday infographic and visit nsc.org to stay safe year round.

About the National Safety Council
Founded in 1913 and chartered by Congress, the National Safety Council, nsc.org, is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to save lives by preventing injuries and deaths at work, in homes and communities, and on the road through leadership, research, education and advocacy. NSC advances this mission by partnering with businesses, government agencies, elected officials and the public in areas where we can make the most impact – distracted driving, teen driving, workplace safety, prescription drug overdoses and Safe Communities.

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Contact: Maureen Vogel
Media Relations Manager
(630) 775-2307

[i] According to Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association

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SOURCE National Safety Council