LOCAL LIST: Holiday safety

We are in the middle of the holidays. For increased enjoyment (and less stress), follow these tips from the National Safety Council.

1. Your tree is probably up, but are you handling the lights correctly? Turn them off when you go to bed or leave the house. And unplug extension cords when not in use.

2. If you have to climb a ladder to take things down after Christmas, face the ladder and grip the rungs, not the side rails. Always keep three points of contact — two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand.

3. As trite as it sounds when cooking, wash your hands, utensils, sink and anything that has come into contact with raw poultry.

4. Reheat leftovers to at least 165 degrees.

5. Since winter will last longer than the celebrations, put a survival kit in your vehicle, rather than just think about it. This should include a flashlight, batteries, reflective triangles, first aid kit, ice scraper, snow brush, and high energy foods. You are already wearing warm clothes, aren’t you?