Red Cross offers safety tips for the holidays

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - The American Red Cross provided the following safety tips for the holidays this year.

Holiday Decorations and Parties

• Place Christmas trees at least three feet away from any heat sources and exits. Water the tree daily.
• Don’t overload electrical outlets and unplug holiday lights before leaving home or going to bed.
• Keep candles away from combustible materials and in a place where children and pets can’t get to them.
• Pick a designated driver when attending a party and provide non-alcoholic beverage options if hosting a party.
• Keep children and pets away from the stove; turn pot handles in; and turn off burners if leaving the kitchen.

Holiday Travel

• Make sure vehicles are in good working order before holiday trips. This includes checking tire air pressure and windshield fluid, and cleaning lights and windows.
• Equip vehicles with an emergency preparedness kit with water, snacks, flashlight, first aid kit and blankets.
• Check weather and road conditions before traveling.
• Share travel plans including intended route and estimated arrival time with someone.

If you are in Fort Wayne, you can use The Holiday Cab program , which provides free rides home for those who have had too much to drink or who are otherwise impaired runs from Thursday, Dec. 20 to Tuesday, Jan. 1 from 8 p.m. to 3 a.m.

You can also download the American Red Cross First Aid App, which features information on what to do in emergencies.