DES PLAINES, Ill. – The winter holidays are traditionally a time of family get-togethers, parties and happy times, but they can also be a time of stress and errors in judgment that can land people in the emergency department.

The Emergency Nurses Association urges everyone to take care to ensure that they enjoy their holidays in good health and good spirits by offering some holiday safety tips, developed by the ENA Injury Prevention Institute.

. After holiday parties, be sure that you wrap leftovers tightly, and keep them wellrefrigerated or frozen to avoid food poisoning. Be sure to periodically clean out the refrigerator to dispose of any food that might be going bad.

. If you are having a holiday party, monitor the alcohol consumption of your guests. Be sure to provide non-alcoholic alternatives for drinks and be prepared to call a cab for anyone who may not be safe to drive.

. Monitor your alcohol consumption by reducing the number, size and frequency of alcoholic beverages you drink and serve at holiday occasions.

. Never get behind the wheel of a moving vehicle (including recreational vehicles such as snowmobiles) after having consumed any alcohol.

. Avoid traveling after midnight, especially on Fridays and Saturdays, since that is the time that most motor vehicle crashes occur. Drive defensively.

. Keep to your normal sleep schedule. Avoid driving when fatigued as your reactions are slowed and judgment is impaired.

. Always wear your safety belt and make sure that all adult and child passengers are properly restrained.

. Prevent holiday fires by using only nonflammable decorations, inspecting holiday lights, and using only those that are UL-approved. Keep holiday trees well-watered and away from heat sources so that they do not become dried out.

. If possible, avoid using portable heaters. If they are absolutely necessary, keep them in open spaces, away from anything that might catch fire and be sure to turn them off before you go to bed, leave the house or leave a room for a long time.