Devastating hazards can occur any time of year, but the holiday season can be particularly hazardous. From slips and falls to the flu, the potential for accidents increases during the holidays. Here we will discuss some of the most common holiday dangers and how to avoid them and stay safe this season.
INJURIES FROM FALLS
The holidays are a time for fun, family, and celebrations. But they can also be a time for injuries. Every year, thousands of people visit the emergency room with fall-related injuries, many of them caused by stringing lights on a tree or house. To avoid becoming a statistic, make sure you have a sturdy ladder stable before climbing. You can use both hands when climbing and don’t try to carry anything.
Fire hazard from connecting multiple strings of decorative lights together
Many people use extension cords during the holidays to power their Christmas lights and other decorations. However, these cords can be a tripping hazard. To prevent falls, hide or disguise extension cords, so they are not a devastating hazard. Another fall hazard to be aware of is slippery surfaces.
In colder climates, the weather brings with it the risk of slipping and falling on ice. Wear shoes or boots with good traction to help prevent falls. Also, be aware of your surroundings and avoid sudden slips. If you do fall, try to relax and roll with the fall to avoid serious injury.
CHILDREN AND PETS
During the holiday season, many homes boast beautiful decorations. However, it is essential to remember that some of these decorations can be delicate or dangerous. It is best to keep them out of the reach of children to avoid accidents. Place them on high shelves or where children cannot reach them. This precaution can help ensure everyone enjoys a safe and happy holiday season.
The season is a time for joy and celebration. Still, it’s also when parents need to be extra vigilant about safety. Many popular toys can pose a severe choking hazard for young children. Small parts are a common culprit, as they can quickly become detached from the toy and end up in a child’s mouth and easily swallowed. Even seemingly innocuous items like crayons can become a devastating hazard, as young children may try to bite off more than they can chew. So, before you buy that holiday present, please take a moment to consider whether it could be a choking hazard for a child.
Now is a time of year when many people enjoy decorating their homes with beautiful plants. Among the popular holiday plants are the poinsettia, amaryllis, holly, and mistletoe. Although these plants are lovely, they can be very dangerous to pets. Even ingesting small amounts can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and drooling. If ingested in large quantities, poinsettias can even be fatal. If you have holiday plants in your home, place them where your pets cannot reach them.
FIRES AND ER VISITS INCREASE DURING THE HOLIDAYS
This festive time of year is also when candles create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Unfortunately, candles can also be a fire hazard if not used properly. Every year, candles cause an average of 8,700 house fires in the United States, resulting in more than $350 million in property damage. Unattended candles are the most common cause of candle fires. Place candles in stable holders and keep them away from flammable materials. And never leave candles alone – opt for battery-operated candles instead. With a bit of care, you can enjoy the holiday season without putting your home at risk.
This is the season for holiday shopping, which means opportunities to score great deals on heavy objects like TVs and laptops. But before you start loading up your cart, consider this: lifting heavy objects can put you at risk for a sprain, strain, or, even worse, back pain that sends you to the ER. What’s the best way to avoid these holiday hazards? Try to get help lifting heavy objects; if that’s not possible, take extra care to use the proper form. Bend at your knees, not your waist, and keep the item close to your body as you lift.
If you’re planning to fry up a turkey this year, you should follow a few safety tips. You can choose a small turkey to fit comfortably in your fryer, and be sure to thaw your turkey completely before cooking. If you try to cook it frozen, the ice will cause the hot oil to splatter and could lead to a devastating hazard of severe burns. Please don’t feel like you need to fill your fryer with oil. It should only reach about one-third of its capacity. And finally, keep a close eye on your turkey while frying. It can overcook quickly and catch fire.
ILLNESS
Illness increases during this time of year due to many factors: increased travel, heightened stress levels, close contact with other people, flu, and Covid. One of the best ways to protect yourself from an illness during the holiday season is to wash your hands frequently. If you’re not feeling well, it’s best to avoid holiday gatherings. Avoidance will help to prevent the spread of illness to others.
Most importantly, the holiday season is when many people feel lonely. Whether they are away from family, recently widowed, or don’t have many friends, the season can be difficult for those who are alone. So, this holiday season, reach out to someone who may feel lonely and tell them they are loved. Invite them to holiday dinners, send them a card, or call them. Letting them know they are not alone can make all the difference in the world.
From our BPWC family to yours, we wish you a joyful, safe holiday season full of blessings and happiness.
