Holiday safety tips to help you deck the halls and stay healthy

Does your family’s holiday decorating ever get a little wild? Even if it isn’t a raucous good time, it may pose big and small dangers, so add a little holiday safety to the mix.

When you think about the holiday season, you probably think about a Christmas tree, wreaths and a little sparkly tinsel. Do you also think about fire risks? More house fires occur this time of year than during any other season.

Fire isn’t the only hazard this time of year, either. The holidays also increase the risk of food poisoning, viruses such as the common cold, falls and toy-related injuries. Keep reading to learn some steps to protect yourself and your family from the hazards of the holidays.

Holiday decorations = festive … and dangerous?

House fires are more common during the holiday season for many reasons, including the classic Christmas tree. What makes a tree a fire hazard? A tree can catch on fire due to electrical malfunctions from lights or ornaments, and a real tree can become a danger if it dries out.

Cooking up a feast for your holiday celebrations also increases the fire risk. The National Fire Protection Association reports house fires are most common on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and Christmas Eve, mainly due to cooking fires.

Other safety hazards this time of year? Extension cords that light up your holiday festivities, unattended candles, off-kilter ladders, lax food safety practices and even certain toys.

How to keep your holiday celebrations jolly

Preparing to deck the halls or cook up your family’s holiday meal? Taking a few precautions can help you stay safe. Start with these holiday safety basics:

• Choose age-appropriate toys. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, toys lead to thousands of hospital visits each year because the toy itself is unsafe or the child isn’t old enough for it. Use the American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines to choose safe toys, and take a good look at them for any hazards before gifting them.
• Don’t leave it unattended. What is the it we are talking about? You name it, we mean it! Never leave the kitchen unattended when you’re cooking, never leave children unattended in the kitchen, never leave candles unattended, and never leave your lit tree unattended when you go to sleep or leave your house.
• Give your tree a little TLC. If you use an artificial tree, make sure it’s labeled as fire-resistant. If it’s a pre-lit tree, inspect the lights carefully for loose connections each year before reusing the tree. If you prefer a real tree, water the tree regularly and keep the area clear of fallen needles, which are a fire hazard.
• Keep outside outside and inside inside. When you’re hanging lights, be sure you’re using lights intended for that space. Indoor and outdoor lights aren’t interchangeable and using them in the wrong space can be dangerous.
• Place your decorations wisely. Your holiday decor should be kept at least three feet away from heat sources, including fireplaces, air vents, furnaces, space heaters or candles. If an extension cord is needed, never tuck the cord under a rug or furniture, which can be a fire hazard.
• Practice food safety. Food poisoning is the last gift anyone wants during the holidays, so cook carefully. Wash your hands before, during and after cooking. Keep raw and cooked foods separate, and be sure meat is cooked to a safe temperature. After the meal, stow leftovers quickly.
• Weed through your decorations. Before putting out your decorations each year, ensure they’re still in good shape and not damaged. Toss out any items that have frayed or worn cords or plugs.

How about one extra shot of holiday protection? You can also take action to protect yourself and your loved ones by getting your flu shot if you haven’t already done so.

Do you still need a checkup this year? Schedule an appointment with an East Jefferson General Hospital primary care provider today!