FEMA Region 5 has shared essential safety tips to help families prepare for a safe and enjoyable holiday season.
Tom Sivak, FEMA Region 5 Regional Administrator, stated: “Reducing the risk of emergencies through smart traveling, cooking and heating practices can be simple, yet effective for keeping your celebrations safe during the weeks ahead.”
When traveling, it’s important to check the weather forecast and road conditions before leaving.
Bad weather should prompt drivers to reconsider trips or proceed cautiously, keeping their gas tank at least half full.
Families should discuss emergency communication plans, including who to call and where to meet in case of unexpected events.
For additional preparedness information, FEMA directs travelers to visit Ready.gov.
FEMA also emphasized the importance of emergency supply kits, particularly for those traveling by car.
Vehicle kits should include a flashlight, extra batteries, and a USB power bank.
For those flying or taking a train, compact emergency kits can be equally useful.
In preparation for winter weather, having these essentials ready ensures you are prepared for potential delays or emergencies during travel.
To mitigate fire risks at home during the holidays, FEMA advises ensuring working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are installed on every level of the house, including in sleeping areas.
Before hosting guests, batteries should be tested and replaced as needed.
Thanksgiving is a peak day for cooking-related fires.
FEMA urges cooks to remain in the kitchen when frying, grilling, or boiling food.
Pot handles should be turned inward to avoid accidental spills.
Additionally, keeping cooking surfaces clean, such as removing grease or crumbs, can prevent potential fires.
As temperatures drop, heating systems become a common source of fires.
FEMA recommends maintaining a three-foot clearance between heat sources and flammable materials.
Space heaters should always be plugged directly into outlets, with cords inspected for damage.
Heaters should be turned off when leaving the room or going to sleep.
More heating safety tips can be found on the U.S. Fire Administration’s website Prevent Home Fires.
For broader winter preparedness, FEMA suggests visiting Ready.gov and following #WinterReady updates.
FEMA highlights practical measures to ensure safety during holiday travel, home cooking, and heating.
These include checking weather conditions before traveling, preparing emergency kits, ensuring functional smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, following cooking safety practices, and safely operating heating devices.
Full details are available on FEMA’s Ready.gov and the U.S. Fire Administration’s fire safety site.
