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Christmas season means lots of holiday cheer, parties, and decorations. But the holidays also mean accidents can occur, especially while your guard is down when you’re enjoying the festivities and time spent with family. This year, keep your family safe while enjoying the parties and presents. Here are some common holiday accidents and how to avoid them.
Accidents from Hanging Decorations and Christmas Lighting
Everyone loves a properly decorated house, complete with blow-up Santa and beautiful Christmas lights. However, according to the U.S. Consumer PRoduct Safety Commission, decorations-related accidents are one of the most common during the holidays. In fact, in December 2015 alone, over 14,000 people were hospitalized for injuries caused by decorations.
In order to avoid being involved in an accident during the holidays, keep safety a priority. Try not to drink while you decorate, as doing so will lower your inhibitions. You should not decorate alone either, and always have someone who can help you, or at least seek help if you are hurt. In addition, check that all the equipment you use in order to decorate, such as ladder and electrical tools, are up to standard and safe to use.
Prevent Fires from Christmas Lights
Another common accident arising from the holidays is related to fires caused by Christmas lights. Christmas trees catching on fire from lights and other causes can result in millions of dollars in property damage. Candles are also a common cause for fires during the holidays.
In order to avoid a heated mishap, buy the safest lights possible, and make sure they’re energy efficient in order to prevent overheating. Never leave candles unattended, and burn them safely away from anything flammable.
In addition, having an artificial Christmas tree might be a safer solution to prevent fires. Plastic trees are less likely to act as kindling should a fire ignite. Most stores will have a fire-resistant option, and most artificial trees add the same Christmas-y feel that real trees do.
Weather-Related Accidents
As the days get colder, the roads get more dangerous. If you live in an area where hail, snow, ice, and rain may cause accidents, be extra careful during the holidays. Take extra measures to prevent accidents where you can, such as salting your driveway to prevent sliding. You can add ice melt products to the roads to prevent ice that will make it dangerous to drive or walk.
No matter what you’re planning this holiday season, the best thing you can do for your family is to stay safe and protect yourself. Take these steps to ensure you have a safe holiday with your loved ones.
Posted Thursday, February 16 2017 5:16 PM
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