As the holiday season approaches, Illinois residents are encouraged to take simple precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable time with family and friends. Whether you are traveling, shopping or decorating, a few proactive steps can make all the difference.

Travel Smart

Winter weather in Illinois can be unpredictable. Before hitting the road, check forecasts and road conditions through Getting Around Illinois. 

  • Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle with blankets, water, a flashlight and a phone charger
  • Always wear your seatbelt and avoid driving under the influence or while distracted

Home and Fire Safety

Holiday lights and candles add cheer but can also pose hazards. Remember these tips to stay safe:

  • Inspect all cords for frays 
  • Use LED lights that don’t overheat
  • Keep candles away from flammable decoration
  • Never leave cooking food unattended as kitchen fires are one of the leading causes of holiday emergencies

Online and Shopping 

With more people shopping online, protect yourself from scams. Only purchase from trusted websites, use secure payment methods, and monitor your bank statements for unusual activity. 

When shopping in person, keep wallets and packages out of plain sight and park in well-lit areas.

Health and Community Care

Cold weather and gatherings can increase the spread of illness. Do your part to help your community’s health: 

  • Wash hands frequently 
  • Stay home if you feel unwell
  • Check in on elderly neighbors or those living alone 

Keeping community health in mind helps everyone enjoy the season safely.

Pet Safety

From home cooked foods to sparkling lights, there are unfortunately a number of unsafe pet situations that could happen. Keep these tips in mind to keep your four-legged friend safe:

  • Keep holiday plants like poinsettias, holly and mistletoe out of reach, as they can be toxic to animals
  • Avoid giving pets table scraps, especially foods with bones, chocolate, grapes, onions or artificial sweeteners like xylitol
  • Secure electrical cords and tinsel to prevent choking or electrocution hazards, and make sure your pet has a quiet, comfortable place to retreat from the noise of gatherings

If you are traveling, ensure your pet has proper identification and access to food and water during the trip