Prevent fires: Each year, holiday season fires take hundreds of lives, injure thousands of people, and cost millions in damage. To keep safe this year:
* Add water to a live tree's stand every day. Discard the tree when it dries out.
* Use holiday lights that don't have cracked cords or sockets. Check instructions for the number of strands that can be hooked together.
* Don't leave candles unattended.
Travel smarts: Have the car serviced and checked out well before a road trip. Tell others where you will be and when to expect your return.
* Don't forget the cellphone charger.
* Carry jumper cables or a battery charger, a big flashlight and some hand tools. Have an empty one-gallon gas can, paper towels and disposable ponchos in your vehicle. Bring water and snacks for yourself and your passengers.
* In a cold climate, have blankets and extra clothes available. Have a small shovel in case you get stuck in snow.
* When parking, stash valuables out of view.
Shopping savvy: Park in a well-lit area and secure your vehicle.
* If you carry packages to your car, don't lock them in the trunk and leave. Drive to another store or to another parking space before continuing to shop.
* Wear shoes with non-slip soles, particularly during in wet or icy weather.
Food safety: The American Dietetic Association says there's no need to cool leftovers before you put them in the refrigerator. Warm food won't raise the temperature in the refrigerator. If you leave food out at room temperature, guests could later snack on it and get sick.
