Decorating for the holidays is one of the true joys of the season. Decking the halls can help us connect to family tradition, create beauty for others to enjoy, and light up the chilly, dark, wintry nights.
As you string lights and hang ornaments this year, make sure to also keep safety top of mind. While the addition of candles, a Christmas tree, and decorations spread cheer, they can also bring some hazards.
“As a dedicated holiday decorating enthusiast, I always keep safety first,” says Dr. Cynthia Fisher, a Family Medicine Physician with ThedaCare Physicians-Oshkosh. “I encourage everyone to do the same as they embrace the fun and joy of this tradition.”
Here are some of the top decorating safety risks and tips for avoiding them.
Fire Hazards
Fire risks ramp up during the holiday season for multiple reasons. These can include increased use of candles, flammable seasonal decorations, frayed cords, and unsafe cooking practices.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, nearly one in five Christmas tree fires start due to lamps or bulbs, and 8% result from use of candles. Fires also increase during the season due to increased fireplace use and spending more time in the kitchen.
Follow these tips to keep your home safe from fires:
- Inspect holiday lights before you put them up. Replace light sets with broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections.
- Turn off holiday lights before going to bed or when you leave the house.
- Don’t use indoor lights outdoors and vice versa.
- Never nail, tack, or stress wiring when hanging lights. Keep plugs off the ground, away from puddles and snow.
- Don’t overload extension cords.
- Keep candles away from flammable materials. Place candles at least 12 inches away from anything that burns to ensure children or pets cannot reach them. Never leave candles unattended.
- If using a live tree, cut off about 2 inches of the trunk to expose fresh wood for better water absorption. Water it daily, and remove it from your home when it’s dry.
- Place your tree at least 3 feet away from fireplaces, radiators, and other heat sources. Ensure doorways are not blocked.
- When cooking or baking, don’t leave the stove unattended. Periodically check the oven to ensure nothing has spilled.
“It’s also important to make sure your home has working smoking detectors, especially near sleeping areas,” Dr. Fisher says.
Trips & Falls
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports 160 people are injured daily during the holiday season, with most incidents involving falls.
“Falls can increase this time of year for lots of reasons,” Dr. Fisher says. “In addition to inclement weather, people may work with equipment they might not normally use, such as ladders.”
Follow these guidelines to prevent falls:
- When using a ladder, make sure it has stable placement, and wear shoes that allow for good traction.
- Losing your balance on a ladder can cause you to jump versus fall. This could lead to serious orthopedic injuries. If using a ladder at a high height, consider placing crash pads or mats alongside the ladder.
- Ladders should extend at least 3 feet above your roof or the surface to which you’re attaching lights.
- Don’t stand on your toes or the top rung of the ladder. The second rung from the top is as high as you should climb on a step ladder.
- For extension ladders, use the 4-to-1 rule: For every 4 feet of distance between the ground and point of contact (such as the roof), move the base of the ladder out 1 foot. Don’t stand higher than the fourth rung from the top on an extension ladder.
- If you’re at increased risk for falls, consider skipping climbing ladders. Instead, opt for other types of decorating.
- Don’t stand on tables or chairs when decorating.
- Clear pathways of trip hazards, such as clutter, power cords, or extra furniture.
- Fix uneven walkways and steps inside and outside the home.
Considerations for Kids
It’s wonderful to experience the holidays through the eyes of a child. As they take in the joy, ensure young ones stay safe. Risks include trips and falls around cords, choking hazards with small decorations, cuts from breakable objects, and burns.
“Children can get excited and forget certain safety rules,” Dr. Fisher says. “Parents should stay extra vigilant and review safety rules.”
Follow these guidelines to keep kiddos safe:
- Place matches, lighters, and candles out of the reach of children.
- Avoid putting sharp or breakable decorations in the reach of children. For example, place breakable or small ornaments higher up on the Christmas tree.
- Keep items with small, removable parts away from children.
- Remind kids to walk, not run in areas with cords.
Pets and Plants
Many holiday plants can cause discomfort if a cat or dog ingests them. This can lead to irritation, vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive drooling.
Poinsettias are considered the most dangerous holiday plants for cats and dogs to eat. Other plants to watch out for include Christmas cactus, Christmas rose, holly, lilies, and mistletoe.
If you notice your pet chewing or eating any of these plants, contact your family veterinarian or call the Pet Poison Hotline at (855) 764-7661. Note that there’s a consultation fee for contacting the hotline.
Also keep an eye on your pet around the Christmas tree or other decorations. Some animals may try to eat ornaments or chew on light strings.
Convenient Care
Even with the best prevention, accidents and injuries can happen. Finding the right level of care for an injury is essential, Dr. Fisher says. For minor injuries and illnesses, visiting a primary care or urgent care location can save you time and money.
Injuries that warrant a trip to the emergency room include severe cuts with major bleeding, severe burns, serious head injuries, and severe broken bones.
“If you’re unsure about where to go, please contact your provider’s office,” Dr. Fisher says. “The nurses on staff can help you identify the best next steps. Stay safe this holiday season so you can enjoy the festivities to the fullest.”
