With the big day just around the corner, CAA Saskatchewan are reminding customers to stay safe this holiday season whatever their plans may be.
Christine Niemczyk, Director of Communications provides some useful reminders regarding household decorations.
"If you are staying home for the holidays and you have Christmas trees, make sure that if it is an artificial tree, that you have checked to see that it is fire resistant. Live trees as they say should always be kept fresh and moist and keep all trees away from fireplaces and heaters and other heat sources as well."
Indoor and outdoor holiday lights should be checked to ensure they are not frayed or any loose connections and anyone with large Christmas gifts may want to keep the big packaging out of the sight of neighbours and curious eyes as they may know what's inside based on what a person has for recycling and paper goods.
Next Niemczyk says that people should consider family safety such as keeping matches and lighters out of sight and reach of children and not leaving any cooking or baking unattended. Families can also have their chimney/furnace professionally cleaned and check their carbon monoxide and smoke detectors to ensure they are properly installed and in good working condition.
Those that will be going away for the holidays are reminded to make sure their home looks lived in even while away. They can do this by canceling or pausing newspaper and mail delivery and avoiding posting travel details on social media. The household water supply should be turned off and waterlines drained. Family and friends can also park in your driveway and ensure that driveways and sidewalks are shoveled.
With many planning to travel somewhere warm this year, Niemczyk provides some helpful travel tips.
"We at CAA say travel with someone you trust. Connect with one of our travel consultants to help you with your air travel plans. You want to make sure you check your flight plans just in case there could be delays and you also want to check baggage and make sure that you have weighted. Any additional weight charges, you will be charged for. Arrive at the airport in plenty of time to go through security."
Those hitting the road to travel for the holidays should ensure that they check the weather and road conditions and drive according to these. Drivers should allow plenty of time to reach their destination and make sure to slow to 60mph for first responders and tow trucks.
In addition, Niemczyk says there are a few other road user safety tips including sticking to the primary roads as these will be the ones maintained, see and be seen by making sure to use vehicle lights and that windows are clear and ensuring that drivers drive with a full to half full gas tank as this helps to add weight.
CAA also recommends a good set of winter tires and drivers should be prepared by packing a roadside safety kit in their vehicle.