Holiday Hazard- out of town guests

Host Out of Town Guests Safely

  Ok- you said "Yes" to hosting Christmas this year. Eeeek!
Now take a breath and make a plan. There is a lot to consider when you have out of town guests. Menus, activities and SAFETY! You want to make sure this special time with the aunts, uncles and grandparents isn't messed up by having to rush someone to the hospital.
   Before your guests arrive, look around your house from their point of view. Look for potential hazards ahead of time.  If young children are coming, is your home child proofed? Make sure lighters, matches and any chemicals are out of reach. How about medication? You may to change where you keep your meds. Or if you have children and your guests bring in medication, you need to give them a safe place to keep their things out of your children's reach. Is there a medicine cabinet for medication? a dresser to keep purses on?
   If older Grandparents are coming, where are they sleeping? Can they walk the stairs - or do they need a downstairs bedroom? Hallway night lights are inexpensive and can help insure a safe walk to the bathroom or kitchen in the middle of the night.  Bathtubs and Showers can be dangerous for anyone. Consider putting in non-slip mats in the guest bathrooms.
   Have emergency numbers handy in case of an accident. Make sure your guests know where to find them in case you are the one injured. We keep ours on the side of the refrigerator.
Hopefully you enjoy your time with out of town guests. If not, consider suggesting a near by hotel...
Either way, a little bit of pre-planning can insure everyone's safety during this Holiday Season!