NEW WINDSOR, N.Y. (December 16, 2019) — Decorating the home, gathering with family and friends and annual traditions are all a part of what makes the holidays so special. Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year’s bring to this time of a year a variety of activities that will be memorable, from lighting menorahs and decorating Christmas trees to toasting with champagne and everything in between. Mobile Life Support Services, the largest emergency medical provider in the Hudson Valley, shares tips to help keep family and friends safe this holiday season.
Trees and decorating
• If opting for a real Christmas tree, be sure to keep the tree watered. Make a point to remember to do this task daily, especially during the latter part of the season.
• Unplug the tree’s lights before leaving home; the tree should not be plugged in and lit while unattended.
• Inspect electrical decorations for damage before use.
• Do not overload electrical outlets.
• Keep combustibles at least three feet from heat sources.
• Protect cords from damage or water.
• Check decorations for certification labels, such as Underwrites Laboratories (UL).
• Make sure decorations are above pet-level to keep furry friends safe.
Candles, menorahs and open flames
• Children who light a candle or menorah should be standing on a sturdy surface, close enough and high enough to safely light and have an adult present.
• Do not leave candles and menorahs unattended.
• Place candles in a proper candle holder and on a stable, non-flammable surface.
• Keep candles and menorahs away from other materials such as blankets, tablecloths and curtains, as well as pets and small children.
• Keep wicks trimmed to a quarter-inch.
Holiday transportation
Mobile Life urges you to be responsible when driving to and from a holiday or party destination and abstain from partaking in alcoholic beverages. If consuming alcohol, make sure to use a designated driver or paid transportation service. According to national studies, drunk driving accidents and fatalities are particularly high the week between Christmas and New Year’s.
If hosting a party, understand that as a host, you could potentially become responsible if a guest at your party drinks and then causes injuries. Your responsibility will vary based on the situation. New York has a “social host law,” which imposes responsibility for serving alcohol to an intoxicated minor. New York’s social host laws, however, do not extend to private parties serving adults in the home.
“This is a wonderful time of year to gather together with family and friends and celebrate the season,” said Mobile Life President and CEO Scott Woebse.
“Everyone should take care and follow safe practices so they can enjoy the holidays without worry or incident. The best way to ring in the new year is happy and healthy with the ones you love.”
To learn more about Mobile Life, visit www.mobilelife.com. Individuals interested in employment opportunities with Mobile Life should visit the company’s website to submit an application or inquire about educational opportunities to become certified.
About Mobile Life Support Services, Inc.
Mobile Life Support Services, Inc. is a New York State Certified Advanced Life Support paramedic ambulance company that provides emergency services to communities and healthcare facilities throughout the Hudson Valley Region of New York State, including the counties of Dutchess, Orange, Rockland, Ulster, and Westchester. Founded in 1981 by Rick and Gayle Metzger, Mobile Life is composed of more than 500 EMS professionals across the region and operates a fleet of more than 60 ambulances and 26 stations. With a collective population of more than 1,000,000 residents, Mobile Life handles approximately 100,000 calls per year. For more information, visit www.mobilelife.com.
