Holiday party safety tips keep joy in season Published Dec. 20, 2010 56th Fighter Wing Safety LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- This time of year holiday celebrations are happening everywhere. Considered to be the happiest time of the year unfortunately can be a time of tragedy as well. It's a time when even greater attention to safety should be paid. The National Safety Council recommends a few tips to keep everyone enjoying the holiday season who will host or attend parties. · Have a plan · Be safe with decorations · Remember others people's houses aren't always child proofed · Leave contact information with babysitters. It's a well-known fact if a person is planning a night on the town or going to a party, having a plan to get home safely is a must. But having a plan is equally important for the host of a party. Being a responsible host may mean not drinking in order to give a ride home to guests who are drinking or calling them a taxi. Maybe the best thing is to let them stay the night. Decorations may not seem like a big deal when setting up a party, but they can spell disaster. According to the United States Fire Administration, more than 400 people die each year in holiday decoration-related fires. The U.S.F.A. recommends using nonflammable decorations, avoiding overloading electrical outlets or using lit candles. Another safety idea for planning is to know the audience or people that are coming to the party. Are children allowed? If so, go through and childproof the areas they'll be in. If unsure about whether or not the area would be suitable for children, ask the parents. The partygoers have responsibilities as well. If the children are left at home with a babysitter, all contact information should be left with the child care provider. Leave both parent's cell phone numbers and telephone numbers of a trusted family in the area, and phone number and address of where the party is. Following these simple party safety tips will help ensure a successful and safe holiday party.