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SAFETY TIPS
HAZARDS
OF THE HOLIDAYS
Some aspects of the holidays
can make crime more likely.
Stay safe with these tips.
TIPS TO TOPPLE “PETTY THEFTS AND break-ins tend to increase around the holidays,” says
WINTER TROUBLES Quentin Jude, Chief of the Navicent Health Police Department. “During what
is usually a joyous time, people are a little more lax with leaving bags in
Crime isn’t the only safety hazard that ramps vehicles or open-view areas. People also carry a little more cash than they
up each winter. You also need to protect would normally.”
yourself from:
Remember, packages and bags from stores are out of sight, out of mind
»» Viruses. Kill germs by washing your hands for would-be thieves. If you have shopping bags, keep them in the trunk so
with soap and clean water, rubbing hands they aren’t visible. Chief Jude also recommends going shopping in pairs to
together for at least 20 seconds. A flu shot is avoid becoming overloaded with too many bags when walking out of a store.
a safe, effective way to prevent getting Lone shoppers who have trouble carrying all their purchases risk becoming a
the flu. target for theft.
»» Impaired driving. If you have had alcohol, SAFE AT HOME
let someone else drive. Never get in the car
when someone who has been drinking is Fires are also a real danger during this festive season. Between 2009–2013,
behind the wheel. candles were responsible for more than 9,000 home fires that resulted in
86 deaths and $374 million in property damage, according to the National
»» Food poisoning. Do not leave perishable Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
foods out of the refrigerator for more than
two hours. Cook foods to their proper The NFPA recommends blowing out candles before leaving the room or
internal temperature and throw out leftovers going to sleep. Also, keep candles—and Christmas trees or menorahs—more
after four days. than 1 foot away from anything that can burn.
»» Not getting enough physical activity. Planning to decorate your house with festive lights? Read the manufacturer’s
Maintaining an exercise routine during the instructions about how many strands can be put together at one time.
holidays can be difficult. However, exercise
can reduce stress and help you prevent long- IF YOU HAVE AN URGENT HEALTH NEED DURING THE HOLIDAYS,
term health problems. VISIT ONE OF OUR URGENT CARE CENTERS. CHECK IN ONLINE AT
WWW.NAVICENTHEALTH.ORG. CHOOSE “INQUICKER CHECK-IN.”
6 navicenthealth.org | WINTER 2016
