Safety during the New Year Holidays: Awareness and Taking Measures

Аделіна
Jan 1, 2024
3 min read

The New Year holidays symbolize a time of joy, celebration and family gatherings. However, this period brings with it not only fun, but also certain risks. This is especially important for women who are married or have a family, as they are often responsible for planning and keeping the holidays safe. Let's take a look at some of these risks and provide real-life examples from history that emphasize the importance of caution and responsibility during the holidays. Also, to ensure your safety during the New Year holidays, we will provide action plans for different life situations.

Risks and their Consequences

Physical Risks

Road accidents: Statistics from the European Union show that the number of road accidents increases during the holiday season. For example, in Germany, New Year's Eve shows a 50% increase in accidents compared to other days.

Action Plan in the Event of a Road Accident.

Safety: Stop immediately in a safe place. Turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers. If it's a highway, try to pull over as close to the side of the road as possible. If the weather conditions create very limited visibility on the road, in addition to the car's hazard lights, if you have any pocket or bicycle lights with you, turn them on and place them on the car in the direction of the vehicle behind you to increase your visibility.
First aid: If there are victims, administer first aid (if you know how to do so) and call an ambulance. If the car is close to the center of a busy road, ask the occupants to stay out of the car until it is removed from the roadway. After the hazard lights are activated, carefully and safely move to the side of the road.
Notify the Police: Even in the case of a minor accident, notify the police and capture all the details of the incident in photos and videos.
Fixing information about the accident: Take photos of the accident scene from different angles to capture the overall picture of the situation. Take pictures of any damage to your car and other vehicles. Take notes of road signs, traffic lights, road markings, and any other important details that may be relevant to understanding the circumstances of the accident. and record the contact information of all parties involved and witnesses.
Record Contact Information: Write down the names, contact information, driver's license numbers, and license plate numbers of all those involved in the accident. If there are any witnesses to the accident, also write down their contact information. Write down the insurance policy information of the other parties involved in the accident.
Contacting the Insurance Company: Report the incident to your insurance company and provide all the necessary information for an insurance claim.
Staying calm: Remain calm and do not engage in conflicts with other people involved in the accident. Concentrate on your breathing. Take several deep breaths in and out. Deep breathing will help calm your nervous system and reduce stress levels. Give yourself time to react. Before you say or do anything, pause for a moment. This will help you think about the situation and react more carefully. Remind yourself that the main thing is the safety of all those involved in the accident. Repeating positive affirmations can help you stay calm.

Injuries at resorts: For example, France has seen an increase in the number of injuries at ski resorts during the winter season, including fractures and bruises.

Injury Action Plan for Ski Resorts

1. Situation Assessment

Stay calm: Staying calm will help you assess the situation clearly and take the right action.
Assess the extent of the injury: Determine whether the injury requires immediate medical attention or can be treated on its own.

2. Providing First Aid

Application of First Aid: Apply the basic principles of first aid: stop bleeding, immobilize the injured part of the body, and apply cold to the injury.
Do not move the Injured Part: Avoid unnecessary movement if you suspect a fracture or serious injury.

3. Calling for help

Notify the Rescue Service: Call emergency services or resort medical personnel immediately.
Informing the Resort Staff: If medical assistance is not available nearby, contact the nearest resort representative to call for assistance.

4. Documentation of the Incident

Photographing the scene: Take photographs of the location where the injury occurred to document the circumstances of the incident.
Record the personal data of witnesses: Record the contact information of witnesses and other participants in the event.

5. Medical Assessment and Treatment

Medical Examination: Even for minor injuries, see a doctor for a detailed examination.
Following the Doctor's Recommendations: Follow your doctor's medical advice and prescriptions.

6. Further Actions

Insured Event: If you have insurance, notify the insurance company of the incident and provide the necessary documentation.
Recovery: Allow your body time to recover before returning to your activity.

Fireworks and Pyrotechnics: Fireworks cause injuries every year. For example, in the Netherlands, hundreds of people are injured by fireworks during the New Year's holidays.

Emergency Action Plan for Fireworks and Pyrotechnics

Preparing to Use Fireworks

Choosing Safe Fireworks: Purchase fireworks only from licensed outlets.
Instructions and Warnings: Read the instructions and warnings that accompany fireworks carefully.
Planning the Launch Site: Choose a safe place to launch fireworks where there is no risk to people or buildings.

Use of Fireworks

Responsible Person: Designate a responsible person to be in charge of setting off fireworks.
Safety During Launch: Do not lean over fireworks during the launch and keep a safe distance.
Use of Protective Equipment: Wear protective goggles and clothing.

Actions in case of emergency

First Aid for Burns: For minor burns, rinse the affected area with cool water.
Calling an Emergency: In case of serious injury, call an ambulance immediately.
Запобігання Подальшим Травмам: Якщо феєрверк не спрацював, не наближайтеся до нього протягом щонайменше 15 хвилин.

After the Use of Fireworks is Completed

Safe Disposal: After use, wait for the fireworks to cool before disposing of them.
Clean Up the Area: Clean up all fireworks debris and make sure there are no hazardous objects left at the launch site.

Психологічні Ризики

Stress and Burnout: The holiday season can be a demanding time, especially for women who often take on the primary responsibility for planning and organizing celebrations. This can cause increased levels of stress and burnout that come with organizing the holidays. Here are some steps to help reduce stress and prevent burnout:

Action Plan to Combat Stress and Burnout during the Holiday Season

Step 1: Planning and Organization

Develop a plan: Make a to-do list and determine what needs to be done to prepare for the holidays.
Prioritize: Determine which tasks are the most important and focus on them.
Distribute Responsibilities: Delegate some of the tasks to other family members or friends.

Step 2: Self-care

Take regular breaks: Don't forget to take breaks and rest to avoid fatigue.
Healthy Eating and Physical Activity: Maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly.
Getting Enough Sleep: Try to maintain a regular sleep schedule.

Step 3: Emotional Support

Communication with loved ones: Share your feelings and experiences with friends or family.
Hobbies and Interests: Do your favorite things that bring you pleasure and help you relax.
Mindfulness practices: Try meditation or other mindfulness practices to calm your mind.

Step 4: Realistic Expectations

Rejection of perfectionism: Don't strive for perfect conditions or a perfect holiday.
Flexibility in Planning: Be prepared for changes in plans and unforeseen circumstances.

Step 5: Professional Help

Seeking Advice: If you feel you can't cope with the stress, don't hesitate to contact a psychologist or counselor.

Domestic Violence: Domestic violence during the holiday season is a serious issue that requires special attention and preventive measures. Statistics show that the number of cases of domestic violence increases during the holidays. This is due to increased alcohol consumption and family conflicts. Here is an action plan to help prevent domestic violence:

Action Plan to Prevent Domestic Violence during the Holidays

Step 1: Awareness and Education

Awareness: Raise awareness of the problem of domestic violence by discussing it with family and friends.
Know the Signs of Violence: Familiarize yourself with the signs of domestic violence so that you can recognize it in time.

Step 2: Conflict Prevention

Discussing Possible Conflicts: Before the holidays, discuss potential conflicts with your family and ways to resolve them.
Create Alcohol-Free Holiday Traditions: Limit alcohol consumption during the holidays or organize an alcohol-free holiday.

Step 3: Developing Communication Skills

Open Communication: Facilitate open dialog among all family members.
Conflict Resolution Skills: Develop and use effective conflict resolution strategies.

Step 4: Create a Safety Plan

Evacuation Plan: Develop an evacuation plan in case the situation escalates.
Support Services Contacts: Keep contact information for support services and crisis centers.

Step 5: Engaging Professional Help

Consultation with Specialists: If there are signs of tension in family relationships, contact a professional (psychologist, counselor) for a preventive consultation.
Use of Assistance Resources: In the event of violence, immediately contact the appropriate services for help.

Гастрономічні Ризики

Food poisoning: Food poisoning can happen suddenly and requires a quick and effective response. Improper storage or preparation of food can lead to poisoning. For example, in Spain, there have been cases of mass poisonings during the holidays due to improper storage of seafood. Here is a detailed action plan to follow in case of poisoning:

Food Poisoning Action Plan

Immediate Action.

Stop eating the food:

Stop eating the food you suspect is causing the poisoning immediately.

Assessment of Symptoms:

Identify symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever.
Assess the severity of the symptoms.

Help for Mild Symptoms

Hydration:

Drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration, especially after vomiting or diarrhea.
Drink water, dehydrated drinks, or weak tea.

Rest:

Make sure you get enough rest, your body needs time to recover.

Light Food:

Start eating light foods as soon as you feel better (e.g., cooked rice, bananas, applesauce).

Actions to take in case of severe symptoms

Medical attention:

In case of severe symptoms, such as intense abdominal pain, fever, symptoms of dehydration, seek medical attention immediately.

Preservation of Food Samples:

Save the food sample, if possible, for later analysis.

Economic Risks

Fraud and Theft: The holiday season is often accompanied by an increase in fraud and theft, especially in the area of online shopping. European countries report an increase in fraud and theft during the New Year holidays, especially in the area of online shopping. Here is an action plan to help prevent these problems:

Action Plan to Prevent Theft and Fraud

Preventing Fraud in Online Shopping

Checking Online Stores:

Only use trusted and reliable online retailers.
Read reviews and check ratings before making purchases.
Do not trust online stores that offer a large discount for advance payment.

Protection of Payment Data:

Never transmit your credit card information through unsecured channels.
Use trusted payment systems and security methods such as two-factor authentication.

Avoiding Suspicious Links:

Don't click on suspicious links in emails or messages.

Security Measures to Prevent Theft

Protection of Personal Property:

Carry bags and wallets in a safe place, especially in crowded areas.
Do not leave personal belongings unattended.

Be careful with cash:

Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
Use ATMs in secure locations.

Actions to take in case of theft or fraud

Immediate Response:

If your credit card is stolen or lost, immediately notify your bank to block the account.
Report the theft to the police.

Retention of Evidence:

Retain all transaction records, emails, and other materials that can be used as evidence of fraud.

Monitoring of Financial Transactions:

Check your bank and credit card statements regularly.

Security measures

Before the Holidays

Careful Travel Planning: Avoid risky routes and crowded places.

Home Security Check: Make sure your home is secure from intruders, especially if you plan to be away from home for an extended period of time over the holidays. Preparing your home for an absence during the holidays is an important step in keeping it safe. By taking the following simple steps, you can enjoy the holidays with peace of mind knowing that your home remains secure.

A plan of measures to prepare your home for your departure for the holidays

Before You Go

Locks and Windows:

Check that all doors and windows are securely closed and locked.
Reinforce the locks on doors and windows if necessary.

Security system:

Activate the security system, if equipped, and make sure it is working properly.
Check the batteries in motion detectors and smoke detectors.

Lighting:

Use timers for lighting to create the illusion of being in the house.
Make sure that outdoor lighting is working properly.

Important Documents and Valuables:

Keep important documents and valuables in a safe place or a safe deposit box.

Your Absence.

Utilities:

If possible, turn off water to prevent leaks or flooding.
Turn down the heating to the lowest safe level, but do not turn it off completely to avoid freezing pipes.

Notify your neighbors:

Notify trusted neighbors of your absence and ask them to check on your home periodically.
Leave them a contact number for emergencies.

Mail and Newspapers:

Ask someone to pick up your mail and newspapers, or refuse to have them delivered while you are away.

During the Celebrations

Careful Use of Fireworks: Use fireworks as directed and keep children at a safe distance.

Health Control: Pay attention to your body's signals and avoid overeating.

After the Holidays

Assessment of Financial Condition: Analyze expenses and take steps to prevent financial overspending in the future.

Recovering from the Holidays: The holiday season can be busy and tiring. Once the holidays are over, it's important to ensure that you and your family get proper rest and recovery. Here is a detailed plan to help you recover effectively. You can discuss the steps in the plan with your family on the way home from the holidays:

Plan for comprehensive recovery and reconfiguration after a long holiday period

Step 1: Planning your vacation

Plan your Rest Days: Set aside a few days in your calendar after the holidays to relax with no scheduled activities or commitments.
Flexible Daily Routine: Allow yourself to have a flexible routine by avoiding a strict schedule.

Step 2: Relaxation and Recovery

Hobbies: Spend time doing your favorite hobbies that help you relax.
Walking outdoors: Take regular walks outdoors to maintain your physical and mental health.
Spa treatments at home: Organize a spa night in your own bathroom for relaxation and recovery.

Step 3: Healthy Sleep

Regular sleep schedule: Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time.
Creating a Favorable Sleep Environment: Provide a comfortable environment in your bedroom (dark, cool, quiet).

Step 4: Healthy Eating

Balanced Nutrition: After the holiday feasts, get back to a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and protein.
Hydration: Drink enough water throughout the day.

Step 5: Emotional Recovery

Communicate with family and friends: Spend time with loved ones to get emotional support.
Mindfulness practices: Use meditation or breathing exercises to reduce stress and improve your emotional state.

During the New Year's holidays, it is important not only to enjoy joy and fun, but also to be aware of potential risks. Proper planning, caution and responsibility will help you avoid unwanted incidents and ensure the safety of yourself and your family. With every holiday, we have a unique opportunity to strengthen our bonds with our loved ones, create unforgettable memories, and re-energize for the future. May this holiday season be a time of joy and harmony, when you can feel the fullness of life, enjoying every moment. Remember that your well-being and safety are the basis for an unforgettable celebration that will fill your life with light, warmth and love. Happy holidays!