HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) -
While people in Hawaii are finalizing plans for holiday
events and travel, the Hawaii State Chapter of the American Red Cross has tips
to help prevent accidents and emergencies.
"Following a few simple tips can help make the holiday season
safe and enjoyable," said Coralie Matayoshi, Chief Executive Officer of the
Hawaii State Chapter.
Holiday
Decorations and Parties
- Place Christmas
trees at least three feet away from any heat sources and exits. Water the tree
daily.
- Don't overload
electrical outlets and unplug holiday lights before leaving home or going to
bed.
- Keep candles
away from combustible materials and in a place where children and pets can't
get to them.
- Pick a
designated driver when attending a party and provide non-alcoholic beverage
options if hosting a party.
- Keep children
and pets away from the stove; turn pot handles in; and turn off burners if
leaving the kitchen.
"We want folks to have a safe holiday season,"
said Coralie Chun Matayoshi, CEO, American Red Cross, Hawaii State
Chapter. "We also have steps they can follow to avoid
ruining their holiday with a cooking fire."
The cooks should start
by not wearing loose clothing or dangling sleeves while cooking. Never leave
cooking food unattended – stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling or broiling
food. If someone must leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, they
should turn off the stove. Other safety steps include:
- Check food regularly while cooking and
remain in the home while cooking. Use a timer as a reminder that the stove or
oven is on.
- Keep the kids away from the cooking
area. Enforce a "kid-free zone" and make them stay at least three feet away
from the stove.
- Keep anything that can catch fire - pot
holders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging,
and towels or curtains—away from the stove, oven or any other appliance in the
kitchen that generates heat.
- Clean cooking surfaces on a regular
basis to prevent grease buildup.
- Purchase a fire extinguisher to keep in
the kitchen.
- Always check the kitchen before going to
bed or leaving the home to make sure all stoves, ovens, and small appliances
are turned off.
- Install a smoke alarm near the kitchen,
on each level of the home, near sleeping areas, and inside and outside
bedrooms. Use the test button to check it each month. Replace all batteries at
least once a year.
No matter where people
are spending the holidays, downloading the American Red Cross First Aid App
allows users to have information on what to do in emergencies when and where
they need it. A variety of mobile apps are available at redcross.org/mobileapps.
"Taking a Red Cross
First Aid and CPR/AED course is a great New Year's resolution,"
Matayoshi said. Information about
courses and how to register is at redcross.org/takeaclass.
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