(PHOENIX) November 25, 2008 – The holiday season is upon us. The Grand Canyon Chapter offers some safety tips to prepare you and your family for a safe and enjoyable holiday season.

• Holiday traveling and winter can be a dangerous combination. Allow extra time when traveling. Monitor weather conditions carefully and adhere to travel advisories. • Keep a winter storm survival kit in your car. This should include blankets, food, flares, chains, gloves and first aid supplies.

• Designate a driver. When attending a party, always designate a non-drinking driver. If you are the host of a holiday gathering, be sure there are non-alcoholic beverages available for guests who are driving.

• Buckle up. During the holiday months, people travel more than ever. Wearing a seat belt is the easiest and best way to prevent injury in a motor vehicle collision. Ensure that all passengers are also wearing safety belts.

• Always be careful with holiday candles. Avoid using candles during parties. Take special care when burning candles and make sure they are never left unattended. Be sure they are kept away from decorations and other combustible materials. Don't leave children unattended in a room with lit candles, and always keep candles, as well as matches and lighters, out of the reach of children. Never display lighted candles in windows or near exits.

• Decorate only with flame-retardant or noncombustible materials. If guests will be smoking, provide them with large, deep ashtrays and check them frequently. After the party, check inside and under upholstery and in trash cans for cigarette butts that may be smoldering. If you plan to hang stockings on your fireplace, do not use the fireplace for fires.

• Keep Christmas trees fresh. Choose a fresh Christmas tree and secure it in a sturdy stand. Place the tree away from heat sources and exits, and water it daily. If you purchase an artificial tree, be sure it is labeled as fire-retardant.

• Giving the gift of Preparedness is a great way to show you care. Purchasing or putting together 3-day Disaster Supplies Kit is a wonderful way to help the friend or family member who ‘knows they should’ but never quite gets around to creating one. For more information, contact your local Red Cross by visiting www.arizonaredcross.org