Thank you for taking time out of your day to visit the website for the Chesapeake Chapter of the American Society of Safety Professionals. I hope that everyone had a safe and Happy Thanksgiving. It is hard to believe that 2025 is right around the corner and the holiday season is upon us.
If you celebrate the Holidays, there are some unique hazards in your home that you may not have considered. These hazards include:
- A giant tree in the middle of your living room
- Tiny lights plugged in throughout the inside and outside of your home
- Lit candles in your home for eight consecutive nights
- A dozen or more family members gathered in your kitchen singing carols, arguing about politics, and/or eating way too much
- The potential for a fat man in a red suit to slide down your chimney to bring your children presents
With that in mind, consider the following tips:
- Be sure to inspect your lights and look for frayed wires or other damage to cords
- Be sure to check the filter on your furnace and replace regularly
- Keep outdoor lights off of the ground and away from metal rain gutters
- When you prepare your Holiday Dinner, ensure that the food is thoroughly cooked
- Store leftovers in sealed plastic containers and heat them to their required temperatures
- If you have a fresh cut Christmas tree, be sure to water it routinely and keep it away from open flames such as candles or fireplaces
- A tree that is not properly watered is at greater risk of catching fire, which can result in an entire house becoming engulfed in a matter of minutes
The official start of winter is on the horizon. Before you know it, the holiday season will have come and gone. Don’t let the many benefits that ASSP has to offer pass you by! Regardless of the industry that you work in, ASSP has something for you. In addition, we are looking for assistance on one of our many committees. While many of our volunteers spend 8 or more hours per month, in their volunteer roles, many others spend less than 2 hours. Regardless of the commitment that you are able to make, your assistance is needed and appreciated. If you are interested in being more active in the chapter, please reach out to me directly. Thank for taking the time to visit the website for the Chesapeake Chapter of the American Society of Safety Professionals.
James Woodward
ASSP Chesapeake Chapter President