Health Officials Offer Holiday Safety Guidance for Hernando County Residents

On November 24 the Florida Department of Health in Hernando County released holiday safety guidance urging residents and visitors to take practical steps to protect physical health and mental well being during the 2025 holiday season. The guidance focused on food safety, decoration and travel safety, and community support measures that can help reduce common holiday injuries and illnesses.

Food safety recommendations included specific handling and cooking practices to lower the risk of foodborne pathogens. Residents were advised to thaw meat in the refrigerator or in a sink filled with cold water, to change the water every 30 minutes, and to avoid thawing on the counter. The release emphasized separating raw foods from cooked foods, washing hands utensils and surfaces frequently to prevent cross contamination, and avoiding consumption of raw batter or dough made with flour or eggs to reduce the risk of E. coli and salmonella. A food thermometer was recommended to ensure proper internal cooking temperatures. Guidance also stated that hot foods should be kept above 140°F and cold items below 40°F, that leftovers be refrigerated within two hours, and that hot foods be insulated and cold foods kept on ice or gel packs during transport.

The department also highlighted physical activity and mental health as part of a healthy holiday approach. Short walks during shopping and scheduling time to unwind were encouraged, along with using healthier ingredients to reduce sodium and unhealthy fats. The guidance stressed the importance of checking in on friends family and neighbors because holiday periods can heighten feelings of loss or grief and community connection matters.

Decoration and travel guidance addressed household and road safety. The release warned against placing poisonous plants where children or pets can access them including holly berries mistletoe amaryllis and English ivy. It advised securing and covering extension cords exercising caution with spray on artificial snow because it can irritate lungs and ensuring car seats are correctly installed so children are in appropriate seats. Drivers were urged to be well rested and to designate a sober driver.

The full press release included additional links and resources for car seat inspection and community health guidance and provided contact information for the Hernando Chamber for residents seeking local assistance.