The holiday season is a time of joy and celebration, but it also brings unique safety challenges for families when it comes to trees, decorating, lighting, candles and more. During the 2023 holiday season, there were an average of 160 Christmas-decorating related injuries per day. Almost 15,000 of these injuries necessitated a visit to the local emergency room. Here are essential tips for you to ensure a safe and festive holiday season, focusing on decorating and general family safety.
Holiday Decorating Safety
Christmas Trees. Christmas trees are a centerpiece of holiday decor, but they require careful attention to safety:
- Water natural trees daily to prevent them from drying out and becoming a fire hazard.
- Secure trees in a sturdy stand to prevent tipping.
- Keep trees away from heat sources such as electrical outlets, radiators, and space heaters.
- For artificial trees, choose ones labeled “fire-retardant.”
Ornaments and Decorations
- Hang breakable ornaments, lightbulbs, and tinsel out of children’s reach.
- Use non-breakable decorations within children’s reach.
- Secure ornaments with string loops or pipe cleaners instead of metal hooks for lower branches.
- Be cautious with toxic holiday plants like mistletoe, holly, and poinsettias. Keep them out of reach of children and pets.
Lighting and Electrical Safety
- Inspect holiday lights for frayed wires or broken bulbs before use.
- Turn off all holiday lights before leaving the house or going to bed.
- Don’t overload indoor or outdoor electrical outlets.
- Use only UL Listed light strands for safety assurance.
Candle Safety. Candles create a warm ambiance but require strict safety measures:
- Keep lit candles at least 12 inches away from anything flammable.
- Never leave lit candles unattended and extinguish them before sleeping.
- Supervise children around lit candles.
Kitchen and Food Safety. The kitchen is a hub of holiday activity, but it’s also a place where accidents can happen:
- Use back burners when possible and turn pot handles away from the stove’s edge.
- Keep children away from the oven while cooking.
- Practice food safety to prevent poisoning: wash hands, utensils, and surfaces that come in contact with raw meat.
- Be cautious with hot liquids like coffee or tea, especially around children.
Emergency Preparedness
- Keep a list of emergency contacts easily accessible.
- Prepare a first aid kit and familiarize yourself with basic first aid practices.
- Know the Poison Control phone number (1-800-222-1222) and keep it visible.
By following these safety guidelines, your family can enjoy a festive and secure holiday season. Remember, a little precaution goes a long way in preventing accidents and ensuring that holiday memories are joyful ones. Stay vigilant, communicate safety rules clearly to all family members, and don’t hesitate to seek help if needed. With proper preparation and awareness, you can create a safe environment for your loved ones to celebrate and make lasting holiday memories.