December 8, 2021
Safety Tips for Holiday Gatherings
We are officially entering the holiday season, which brings along gatherings, festivities, and traveling. However, the colder weather also brings the start of flu season, colds, and an array of viruses. As the seasons change, that also means it’s time to start decorating and getting in the holiday spirit, which can bring along its own safety issues.
As you get ready to deck the halls and spread cheer, we have curated a list of actions you can take to prepare yourself for the upcoming festivities.
Get Vaccinated
Though we’re getting ready to start socializing again, that doesn’t mean that we can forget the risks of catching a virus!
Before gathering, make sure that you are updated on your vaccines. You should receive a flu shot once a year. Being fully vaccinated against the Coronavirus could save you from a lot of pain and stressors this holiday season.
Here are some great informational resources from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) regarding vaccines, health, and holiday safety:
Get Tested Before Gatherings
If you’re feeling a bit under the weather, even if you’re vaccinated, getting tested is a wise precaution to take. Protecting yourself and your loved ones is a common theme during this time of year.
Getting tested for Covid-19 never hurts anyway, and it’s free! Knowing that you are healthy and not spreading anything to your family, friends, or community is a great way to kick off the festivities.
Healthline created some more tips for staying healthy during the holidays, which can be found here.
Continue Practicing Social Distancing and Masking
Continue to encourage CDC best practices. Wearing face masks and social distancing indoors should still be followed. Remind your guests to bring a mask, and make sure you have one with you and your loved ones.
Try to limit the number of people indoors, especially when preparing food. If you’re sharing a meal together, keep the food preparation to one person and have one person serve the group, rather than people serving themselves individually. If possible, have meals served in an open-air setting.
Plan Your Travels Ahead of Time
The holidays are fun and full of joy and cheer, but they can also bring a lot of stress. Planning your travels in advance can save you a lot of last-minute hassle. Below are two travel scenarios and how to best prepare for them.
Driving to another location
Whether near or far, making sure that your car is ready for a road trip is incredibly important.
Some things to consider:
- What is your car’s oil percentage? Does it need an oil change?
- Has your car been inspected recently?
- How much gas do you have? Where are the places to stop and fill up along your route?
- Do you have emergency contact information, such as AAA?
- Are you prepped for the weather?
- Think about making a car safety kit, as seen here!
Flying to your destination
Preparing to fly at any time of year can be a hassle, but especially during the holiday months.
Some things to consider:
- What time is your flight?
- We recommend tracking your flight, finding out what terminal you need to get to, and knowing when you board.
- How early do you need to get to the airport?
- Security will be more challenging to get through at this time of year, so plan accordingly and give yourself extra time!
- Does your airline require vaccination against the Covid-19 virus?
- If so, make sure that you follow their guidelines so that you can fly.
- Bring your vaccination card with you.
- Is your passport expired?
- Let’s face it – a lot of us haven’t flown recently. Make sure that your passport is still valid and not expired, especially if you are traveling somewhere that needs it.
Decorate Safely
For some of us, decorating as elegantly and grande as we once did may not be possible. Here are a few things to take into consideration:
Locate your decorations
Knowing where your decorations are located can be incredibly helpful, whether in your garage, attic, closet, or storage. Ensuring that you can access them and that they have been protected for the year lets you know what you need to buy or if you need help retrieving your boxes.
Know what you have
Sometimes, the holiday season comes around, and we indulge in some retail therapy without being conscious of our purchases. Having too much is a definite possibility, especially when you then have to store pieces.
Be aware of breakable objects
Glass ornaments and fine china pieces are beautiful to be shown off during this time of year. However, if you have pets, guests, or anything passing by that could cause damage to one of your pieces, that could become a hazard.
Keeping these pieces safe, up high, and protected can save you a lot of hassle and clean-up.
Know your limits
Getting onto the roof to hang lights is getting more and more dangerous. Any decorating that requires getting onto elevated surfaces can be dangerous.
Try to limit the amount you need a ladder, and call for help to decorate the outside if you see fit. We all want to be happy and healthy during the holiday season, so be sure you keep yourself safe when decorating!
More safety tips can be here!
Enjoy the Holidays with Accessible
Staying safe and healthy during the holidays is everyone’s goal. If you or a loved one need assistance, contact us to set up a consultation to plan the best care package for your needs.
