The holiday season can be a hectic time, so SafeCare BC has compiled a few simple steps you can take to stay safe during the winter.

Deck the halls…safely

The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety has some great tips on how you can decorate – safely. Here are a few tips:

• Check the condition of your extension cords and lights. Look for frayed wires, bare spots, broken or cracked sockets/plugs, excessive kinking or wear. Only use equipment that is in good condition.
• When putting decorations in those hard-to-reach places, make sure you use a ladder that is stable, with its feet on a firm, non-slippery surface. Maintain three points of contact on the ladder (two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand), and never overreach; if you cannot reach something, climb down and move the ladder.
• If you have a live tree, be sure to keep it watered. Cut 2-5 centimetres from the trunk to encourage it to drink more water. It should have a stand that can hold 4 litres of water. If you have small children or pets, use a small amount of sugar in the water instead of a preservative.

Visit the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety for more holiday decorating safety tips.

Winter driving

For those travelling during the winter, taking a few proactive steps can make a big difference.

• Check the weather and road conditions before you drive. If the conditions aren’t looking good, consider postponing your trip or finding another method of travel.
• Plan your route and establish check-ins with someone who’s not travelling with you.
• Make sure your vehicle is winter-ready. This includes having the appropriate tires and an emergency roadside kit in case you get stuck.
• Have a charged cellphone on hand in case of emergency.

Visit ShiftIntoWinter for more driving tips. (And if you’re an employer whose employees drive for work, Road Safety At Work has a great, three-step toolkit for building your organization’s road safety program)

‘Tis the season…for colds and flus

Cold and flu season is upon us. Reduce your chance of becoming sick with these simple steps:

• Wash your hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds frequently, but especially before eating or preparing food, after being in public spaces, and after using the bathroom.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and face, as viruses are most likely to enter your body via these routes.
• Get the flu shot, if you’re able to. The flu shot is free for health care workers and you can register to get vaccinated online. Please note, the provincial directive for health care workers on flu shots/masking has recently changed. Go here for more details.
• Eat a healthy diet, get plenty of sleep, and exercise regularly
• Do not smoke

Check out HealthLink BC for more information and resources.

From everyone at SafeCare BC, we hope you have a happy, bright and – most importantly – safe holiday season.