It’s almost time! As finals loom upon us, so do the holidays. This time of year, we normally would be gathering for celebration, but due to COVID-19 we have had to adapt. These adaptations can leave our minds apathetic at times, leading to accidents. So, at this time, let’s talk about some quick tips that we can take to make things safer at home, starting by being alert and prepared.

The primary step of prep is having the right equipment. Purchasing the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) First Aid kit is always a great start. They have the standard amount of equipment needed to treat a person in an emergency. Kits can be purchased at pharmacy stores or even at major department businesses.

Families should also have a universal fire extinguisher on hand. There are many kinds of fire extinguishers, and it’s important to find one that responds best to multiple situations. When buying emergency equipment make sure to educate the entire household of the equipment’s location, function and application. This preparedness can be crucial in an emergency when every second counts.

Additionally, having proper training in an emergency is vital. There are various online educational resources, such as YouTube, that have basic First Aid resources, but the best method will always be with a trained, nationally licensed organization. The Student Rec & Wellness Center (SRWC) offers a variety of certifications and classes, all of which can be found at asirecreation.org. The trainings will resume in spring, so keep an eye out!

Lastly, make sure to create an Emergency Action Plan that suits your household. Plans should bring all the above information together including equipment locations, how to use equipment, how to respond to a multitude of emergencies and how to exit in an emergency.

If you take these small steps to prepare, you are one step closer to keeping yourself and your family safe during the holiday season and beyond. Take care and happy holidays from your friends at the SRWC!