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Story originally printed in the Winona Daily News or online at www.winonadailynews.com

Published - Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Red Cross tips for happy holidays

By Marie Plaskett | Winona County Red Cross Executive Dircetor

It truly is the most wonderful time of the year. Time to let food, revelry, presents and merriment meld into another happy holiday. And while you are preparing holiday memories that will last forever, the American Red Cross wants you to keep in mind — the best holiday is a safe holiday.

It’s easy to plan a happy and safe holiday when you use these Red Cross tips as your guide:

Be a lifesaver during the holidays and any time. The Red Cross recommends at least one person in every household should be trained and certified in first aid and CPR. We have scheduled courses and can have you trained and certified in a few hours.

Here are some other tips:

nDon’t move a muscle until they buckle. Each person in your vehicle should have their seatbelts securely fastened before driving off. Ensure children are buckled up and their car seats are installed appropriately based on their age and size. Children 12 and under should always sit in the backseat.

nMake sure your sitter is safe. Baby sitters are at a premium during the holidays, but you still want to make sure you are leaving your little ones in capable hands. Look for a sitter that is Red Cross certified. Red Cross sitters are trained in basic care, how to spot an emergency, safe play, first aid and some are certified in CPR. If your favorite sitter is not Red Cross trained, there is still time before the office party. Consider giving her or him a gift certificate to a course as an early present.

nBe the life of the party and designate a driver. When you designate a sober driver you help make sure a good party isn’t marred by tragedy. A good host ensures there are non-alcoholic beverages available for drivers. The designated driver should not drink any alcoholic beverages, not even one.

nDeclare the kitchen a safety zone. Keep the kitchen off-limits to children while cooking. Turn pot handles inside and keep hot pans away from counter edges. Help prevent choking by making sure children don’t walk, run, play or talk with food in their mouths.

nRemember “five-and-five” for choking. If the person is conscious and cannot cough, speak or breathe, ask them if they are choking and if you can help them. Once you have consent to help, remember, give them five-and-five. Lean the person forward and give five sharp back blows between the shoulder blades. If the object does not dislodge give five quick abdominal thrusts. Continue the cycle of back blows and abdominal thrusts until the person can breathe or cough forcefully, the object is dislodged or the person becomes unconscious. If the person becomes unconscious call 9-1-1 or local emergency number right away. For more information on the new five-and-five procedure for choking, contact your local Red Cross chapter.

nUnwrap it then trash it. Once the gifts are unwrapped, immediately discard all plastic wrappings, rubber bands and small objects children and pets can put in their mouth and choke on.

The Red Cross Ready-To-Go Emergency Preparedness Kit is the latest sensation for the safety savvy. The Ready-To-Go Kit comes with many of the necessary items you may need during an emergency. With the breakaway first aid kit and personal supplies pack, the Ready-To-Go Kit makes a smart gift for everyone on your list. The Winona County Red Cross is the perfect place to go for other unique gift ideas this season!

For more safety tips and gift giving ideas, contact Winona County Red Cross at (507) 452-4258 or visit www.winonacountyredcross.org.