Read these safety tips to keep you and your loved ones safe during the holiday season.

Tips include:

• When preparing a holiday meal for friends and family be sure to wash hands, utensils, sink, and anything else that has come in contact with raw poultry. Keep in mind that a stuffed bird takes longer to cook. 
  
• Never defrost food at room temperature.  Thaw it in the refrigerator, in cold water or in the microwave. 
  
• While doing holiday cooking, keep your knives sharp.  Most knife injuries occur due to dull blades.
  
• When displaying a tree, cut off about two inches off the trunk and put the tree in a sturdy, water-holding stand. Keep the stand filled with water so the tree does not dry out quickly. 
  
• Stand your tree away from fireplaces, radiators and other heat sources. Make sure the tree does not block foot traffic or doorways. 
  
• When putting up holiday decorations, always use the proper step stool or ladder to reach high places. Don’t stand on chairs, desks or other furniture.  
  
• When you climb, always face the ladder and grip the rungs to climb – not the side rails. Always keep three points of contact on the ladder whether two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand. 
  
• When climbing, keep your hips between the side rails and do not lean too far or overreach. Reposition the ladder closer to the work instead. 
  
• Prepare your car for the winter by checking items such as the brakes, spark plugs, battery, and tires. Check your owner’s manual for the recommended interval for a tune-up.