Peaceful Christmas
We have completed yet another orbit around the sun, and Christmas is just around the corner—a celebration of togetherness, light, and peace, which, as we see from world news, is unfortunately not a given. Most of us have much to be thankful for, and once the peak of holiday stress has passed, we realize that the most important thing is to enjoy peaceful moments with our loved ones and relax at home. It’s helpful to keep a few important safety tips in mind to ensure that peace prevails.
Sigurjónsdóttir
Mind Fire Safety
It’s delightful to decorate the home and light candles during Christmas, but it’s essential to keep an eye on lit candles. Candles should never be placed on electronic devices, nor should children or pets be left alone with lit candles. LED candles are an excellent alternative for enjoying the ambiance of candlelight while reducing the risk associated with open flames. Smoke detectors should be installed in every room of the house, and it’s wise to test them in December to ensure they work if needed. A smoke detector is one of the most important home safety devices and has saved many lives.
A fire blanket should be readily available, especially during the festive season when kitchen activity is at its peak with the preparation of holiday delicacies. Take extra care when deep-frying, flambéing, etc., and avoid leaving pots unattended on hot burners, as pot fires are common. Items should not be stored on stovetops; pizza boxes and other packaging are highly flammable. A fire extinguisher should also be available in every home, placed in accessible locations, such as near exits, hallways, or stairwells.
Finally, keep in mind that one of the most common causes of household fires involves electrical devices. Always exercise caution when charging devices, ensuring proper ventilation around them. Electric scooters and bikes should ideally not be charged indoors. Fire departments have also advised against charging devices overnight or when no one is present to monitor them.
Safe on the Road
As the holiday rush reaches its peak, it’s worth remembering that haste is best with foresight. Allow extra time for travel, take a deep breath, and show courtesy rather than risking an accident. Backing into parking spaces, especially in large parking lots at shopping centers, reduces the likelihood of collisions when leaving. It’s also important to monitor the weather forecast during midwinter, as conditions can change quickly with sudden cold, wind, and snowfall.
At the time of writing, a yellow weather alert is in effect for St. Thorlak’s Day, making it crucial to check road conditions, driving conditions, and ensure you’re well-prepared if setting out. Finally, stay focused while driving, ensure you’re well-rested, and avoid using mobile phones while behind the wheel.
Merry Christmas
By taking preventive measures at home and on the road, we can ensure a joyful Christmas season. After all, we want everyone to return home safely and enjoy the holiday in the comfort of their homes. Wishing you a happy holiday season, warm greetings, and love sent out into the world.
The author is a project manager for prevention at Sjóvá.
This article was first published on Vísir.is on December 23, 2023.