REGINA — The holiday season is here. Streets glow with sparkling lights, excited voices echo and rise from cheerful gatherings, and the smell of festive meals fills the air – It’s the kind of scene you’d see in a holiday movie. For some, it means cozy nights under warm blankets and laughter in familiar rooms. For others, it’s a spontaneous trip sparking a new adventure in a snow-dusted town.
No matter what your holiday looks like, one thing remains the same: safety should always be part of the story. A little preparation can help keep the season joyful and stress-free, says CAA Saskatchewan.
The Stay-at-Home Holiday
A stay-at-home holiday is about slowing down, embracing traditions, and enjoying time with loved ones. Here are a few tips to keep it cozy, bright, and worry-free:
- Check your tree: Use fire-resistant artificial trees or keep live trees well-watered. Position trees away from fireplaces and heaters.
- Check your lights: Replace damaged sets and switch lights off before bedtime or heading out. Plug outdoor lights into outlets with ground fault circuit interrupters.
- Decorate with care: Keep holiday décor clear of candles, heaters, and fireplaces. Place candles in sturdy holders and enjoy them only when you’re nearby.
- Keep gifts secure: Store presents out of sight from windows and stay alert to anything unusual in your neighbourhood.
- Do a quick safety sweep: Store matches and lighters out of reach, monitor cooking, and confirm smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working. Schedule a chimney and furnace inspection for peace of mind.
The Holiday Away
For those with a taste for adventure, a holiday away is more than a trip; it’s a chance to trade routine for new experiences. Maybe you’re boarding a plane or steering down a frosted highway. Wherever you’re headed, these tips will help keep your journey safe and stress-free:
- Pause newspapers and mail delivery: Arrange for someone to pick up mail or suspend delivery.
- Be discreet online: Avoid posting travel plans on social media to keep your home secure.
- Lock up tight: Secure doors, windows, and garages. Use bars or locks for sliding doors and consider security bars for basement windows.
- Use timers: Set timers for lights, TVs, or radios to make your home look lived in.
- Turn off water and check pipes: Ask a friend or neighbour to check your home regularly and review your insurance policy for requirements.
- Keep your house looking lived-in: Have someone shovel snow and leave blinds in their usual position. If you see signs of forced entry upon return, call police from a safe location.
- Review your insurance: Make sure your home insurance is up to date and covers major purchases or renovations. Learn more about home insurance options with CAA.
Air Travel Tips
- Check flight status: Delays and cancellations are common during peak travel times.
- Know your airline’s policies: Understand rebooking and cancellation rules before you fly.
- Review your air passenger rights: CAA’s Air Passenger Help Guide can help if you face delays or lost baggage.
- Monitor the weather: Keep an eye on conditions at your departure and destination.
- Pack smart: Store medications in original containers in your carry-on. Make photocopies of passports and IDs and keep them separate from originals.
- Check your travel insurance: Ensure you have medical and trip coverage if leaving the province or country. Learn more about travel insurance options with CAA.
Road-Trip Tips
- Check road and weather conditions: Use the Saskatchewan Highway Hotline for road closures and updates.
- See and be seen: Turn on headlights and taillights.
- Slow down: Drive at reduced speeds on icy roads and in low-visibility conditions. Always slow to 60 km/h when approaching emergency vehicles, tow trucks, and snowplows.
- Prep your vehicle: Test your battery, block heater, and have winter tires installed. Visit the CAA Battery Depot in Regina for all your battery needs.
- Pack a roadside kit: Include warm clothes, blankets, food, water, booster cables, and a phone charger.
- Keep your gas tank at least half full: It helps prevent moisture and adds weight for traction.
