Holiday Safety Tips
Each year, government agencies and organizations like the National Safety Council (NSC), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Fire Protection Association, and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issue guidance to help ensure the public has a safe and joyous holiday season. NYCHA’s Environmental Health and Safety Department would like to share some of those tips for staying safe at home and on the job.
Winter Weather Protection at Work
- Winter weather shoe studs are designed to reduce slips and falls outdoors in the harshest environments. They are compact and lightweight and provide added protection from snow, sleet, ice, and other winter weather conditions.
- Layer clothing to keep warm.
- Full body protection is essential to staying warm and comfortable in severe weather: layer clothing and use shoe protection and head protection simultaneously.
- Review the weather safety information on Connect (click “SafeNYCHA” under the “Departments” tab and then “SafeNYCHA Advisories” in the left-side menu).
Decorate Safely
- Keep potentially poisonous plants – such as mistletoe, holly berries, Jerusalem cherry, and amaryllis – away from children.
- If using an artificial tree, ensure that it is labeled “fire resistant.”
- If using a live tree, cut off about two inches of the trunk to expose fresh wood for better water absorption, remember to water it, and remove it from your home when it is dry.
- Place your tree at least three feet away from radiators, and other heat sources, making certain not to block doorways.
- Avoid placing breakable ornaments or ornaments with small, detachable parts on lower tree branches where small children can reach them.
- Replace light sets that have broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections.
- Follow the package directions regarding the number of light sets that can be plugged into one socket.
- Turn off all lights and decorations when you go to bed or leave the house.
Watch Out for Fire Hazards
Use of candles, combined with an increase in the amount of combustible seasonal decorations in many homes during the holidays, means more risk for fire. The National Fire Protection Association reports that one-third of home decoration fires are started by candles and that two of every five decoration fires happen because the decorations are placed too close to a heat source.
- Place candles where they cannot be knocked down or blown over and place them out of reach of children.
- Keep matches and lighters up high and out of reach of children in a locked cabinet.
- Never leave candles burning unattended or when you are asleep.
- Use flameless (rather than lighted) candles near flammable objects.
Cooking Safety
- Please keep in mind that for safety reasons, the use of sterno-type heating products are restricted at central office locations.
- Sterno cooking fuel is flammable and it’s an open flame product. Use with caution to avoid burns and fire. NEVER leave them unattended when hot or in use.
For a healthy holiday season, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends:
- Washing hands often to help prevent the spread of germs;
- Wearing appropriate outdoor clothing such as light, warm layers, gloves, hats, scarves, and waterproof boots;
- Managing stress and getting plenty of sleep;
- Being smoke-free;
- Using seat belts while driving or riding in a motor vehicle;
- Getting your vaccinations; and
- Eating healthy and staying active.
If you have questions about this or any environmental health and safety matter, please email ehs@nycha.nyc.gov. Residents, employees, and any member of the public can submit environmental health and safety concerns at https://on.nyc.gov/submit-concern.
For more information on holiday safety, please visit:
