Decorating for the holidays is a fun activity many people take part in during 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,” said 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 two 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 three 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 said.
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 explained. “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 three 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.
- 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 can 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 said. “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.
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 noted. For minor injuries and illnesses, visiting a primary care or urgent care location can possibly 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 said. “The team members can help you identify the best next steps. We hope everyone can stay safe this holiday season and enjoy the festivities to the fullest.”
