How to Stay Safe This Holiday SeasonWhether walking in a winter wonderland, decking the halls with boughs of holly, or dashing through the snow in a one-horse open sleigh, holiday time ‘tis the season to be jolly.

It’s also the time to be mindful of safety while you’re busy entertaining, visiting family and friends, and enjoying outdoor activities. Here are some tips for staying safe, inside and out, over the winter holidays.

Inside SafetyPrevent falls for you and your visitors, particularly the elderly, by removing snow and ice from •driveways, entranceways, and sidewalks. Cover slippery ice patches with rock salt to melt the ice or with sand to improve traction.

Lightingupwoodstovesorfireplacesgivesyourhomeawarmandcozyambiancebutbesuretohave•your chimney regularly cleaned and inspected. Test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are in good working order.

Candlesarepopularondarkwinternights,butkeepthemawayfromobjectsthatcancatchfire•(curtains, decorations) and away from areas where they could be knocked over by children and pets. Never leave lit candles unattended.

Mosthousefireshappenduringtheholidayperiodandthewintermonths.Christmastreescanget•verydrywheninsideandcancatchfireeasily.Makesureyouwateryourtreeregularlyanduseapproved lights.

Stayinthekitchenwhencookingyourfestivefeasts.Keepafireextinguisherhandyandmakesure•you and your family know how to use it.

Ensureyourdecked-outhomeisclearoftrippinghazards,suchasextensioncords,andkeepany•possiblechokinghazards,suchastreeornaments,awayfromchildrenandpets.

Some holiday plants, such as mistletoe, holly, and poinsettia, can be poisonous. Keep these, along with •alcohol, out of the reach of children and pets.

Training Partner Tools. Winter Holiday Safety Tips

| Page 1 of 2

Winter Holiday Safety TipsDecember 2013

Tips for OutdoorsWhen shovelling, bend at the knees and avoid twisting your body (your feet should point in the •direction in which you want to move the snow). Do not overexert yourself or stay outside for too long.

When out in the cold, bundle up. Wear layers of lightweight clothing, a warm hat that covers your ears, •a scarf or neck warmer, gloves or mitts, and a good pair of water-repellent, insulated boots to keep feet warm and dry.

Limit your exposure to the cold. Go inside to warm up and make sure you keep hydrated. Educate •yourself on the signs and symptoms of hypothermia, frost nip, and frostbite as well as how to treat these cold-weather emergencies.

Wear a helmet when skating, tobogganing, snowmobiling, or hitting the slopes. On sunny days, sport •sunglasses that block 100% of the UV rays to prevent snow blindness.

When skating on lakes or rivers, check the • thickness and colour of the ice. Ice should be at least 15 cm thick for skating alone and 20 cm thick for group skating. Grey ice, which indicates water, is unsafe and must be avoided.

When tobogganing, select a hill or area that’s clear of trees, rocks, and away from roads, if possible.•

Tips for TravelPrepare your vehicle in advance for winter weather and invest in an • emergency preparedness kit so you’re ready if severe weather hits. Place a small kit in your car as well.

Before heading out for parties or longer trips to visit relatives or friends, check the road and weather •conditions. Allow yourself plenty of travel time and slow down if roads are icy or snow covered.

Training Partner Tools. Winter Holiday Safety Tips

| Page 2 of 2