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Ensure a Safe Holiday Season: Expert Tips

As the holiday season approaches, ensuring safety at home and on the road is paramount. Universal Technical Institute (UTI) has brought together its skilled instructors to provide families with practical guidance to navigate common winter hazards. With millions traveling, decorating, and preparing for seasonal challenges, the insights from UTI's experienced automotive, electrical, and HVAC professionals are invaluable. Here are crucial tips to keep you and your loved ones safe this festive season.

Holiday Lights and Decorations: Stay Safe

Inspect Before You Invest

Phillip Motley, an instructor at UTI-Mooresville (N.C.), emphasizes that while holiday lights bring cheer, they can also pose fire and electrical risks. Before hanging your decorations:

• - Check your lights: Inspect cords and make sure there are no damages. Opt for energy-efficient LED lights that are safer to use.
• - Use the right equipment: Always select light strings rated for exterior use, plug them into a GFCI outlet, and set a timer to prevent them from being left on unattended.

Fire Safety Measures

Having fire extinguishers readily accessible is crucial. Ensure you:

• - Keep at least two ABC fire extinguishers in easy-to-reach areas.
• - Educate every household member on how to use them.
• - Regularly test smoke detectors and place them throughout the home, particularly near sleeping areas and festive decorations like Christmas trees.

Winter-Proof Your Heating System

As temperatures drop, home heating systems become vital. Dereck Granados, an HVACR instructor from UTI-Austin (Texas), suggests simple checks to avoid expensive repairs later:

• - Inspect venting: Ensure that flues and vent pipes are clear to prevent potential carbon monoxide buildup.
• - Reverse ceiling fans: Set them to rotate clockwise at a low speed to help circulate warm air throughout the room.
• - Seal leaks: Identify and seal ductwork gaps that allow heated air to escape, and insulate exposed ducts to improve energy efficiency.

Safe Driving This Holiday Season

For many, holiday travel means longer journeys. Tyler Rhodes, Education Manager in Automotive/Diesel at UTI-Avondale (Ariz.), warns that preparation is key to a safe trip:

• - Stay prepared with essentials: Carry a paper map, cash, and a fully charged portable battery pack in case your GPS or phone loses power.
• - Check vehicle health: Test your battery's Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) before winter and replace it if necessary. Don’t forget to check the air pressure in your spare tire.
• - Mind fuel fluids: Keep your fuel tank at least half-full to avoid frozen fuel lines and ensure you stay warm if stranded. Diesel drivers should be aware of potential fuel gelling issues in low temperatures.

Conclusion

As families prepare for celebrations during the holiday season, being aware of safety practices can make a world of difference. These simple yet effective tips from UTI's experts can help ensure that your home and travels remain safe and joyful. For more information, UTI provides various resources aimed at potential students to prepare them for rewarding careers in automotive, electrical, and HVAC industries.

For detailed training options and safety information, visit UTI's official site.