Christmas Decoration Dangers
Holiday decorating is a long-standing fun tradition that the whole family can participate in and create joyous memories. But Christmas decorations can also cause serious injuries, so exercising caution is extremely important.
Christmas Decorating-Related Injuries
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that each year during the holiday season (November – December), emergency rooms nationwide treat on average 240-holiday decorating-related injuries.
The most frequent incidents involve falls, cuts and lacerations, and back strains. But there are many other reasons people end up in the ER. Check out our tips to avoid Christmas decoration dangers.
Falls
The first Christmas decoration dangers to avoid are falls. Chances are you will be using a latter or step stool to hang Christmas lights and trim the tree; these recommendations can save you a trip to the emergency room:
- Use sturdy, well-fitting shoes with slip-resistant soles when climbing a ladder
- Only use ladders that are rated to hold your weight. Keep in mind the additional weight you are carrying from tools and the actual decorations
- Make sure the ladder is tall enough to allow you to reach the area where you are hanging the decorations without having to overextend yourself
- Set the latter on level ground
- Metal ladders (even aluminum ones) act as electric conductors. Therefore, avoid carrying or working with live wires, which should they come in contact with the metal can result in electrocution
- Don’t drink alcohol before or while you are decorating, and avoid decorating at night
Burn Injuries
Our second Christmas decoration dangers to steer clear of are burn injuries. Unfortunately, Christmas tree fires and fires caused by candles or light decorations are not uncommon. To prevent fires in your home this Christmas, remember these safety tips:
- When using a natural tree, remember to water it. If your tree becomes too dry, the heat from the lights could cause it to ignite.
- Check the lights before putting them up. Discard any lights with frayed cables
- Keep your tree away from heat sources such as fireplaces and heaters
- Be skeptical of bargain Christmas lights. Always make sure they have a valid product safety testing logo
- Indoor and outdoor lighting is not interchangeable. Please make sure you use the proper lights both indoors and outdoors
Cooking Fires
It may not seem related to being related to Christmas decorations, but cooking fires are another potential danger. Christmas dinner is usually a feast. This means plenty of cooking will be going on, and you should be extra careful to avoid burn injuries.
- Don’t leave food on the cooktop or oven unattended
- Don’t wear loose-fitting long sleeves that can inadvertently catch fire
- Avoid leaving potholders and kitchen towels on or near the cooktop as these could catch on fire
- Always use heat resistant gloves or appropriate potholders when taking dishes out of the oven
Injuries Due to Unstable Trees and Decorations
We sometimes like to go a little overboard in the size of our trees or decorations. While these may look spectacular, you should take special consideration in ensuring they are stable.
Children or pets playing near unstable holiday decorations can be severely injured if these fall on them. To prevent this:
- Test your tree stand to make sure it’s sturdy enough to withstand the weight
- Keep tall or heavy decorations away from doorways and high traffic areas
- Securely anchor your outdoor decorations to prevent them from flying away or tipping over and hurting someone
Poisonous Holiday Plants
Many traditional Christmas plants like poinsettias and holly are toxic to small children and pets.
Poinsettias are unlikely to cause severe harm in children. However, The Western Journal of Emergency Medicine estimates that about 3.4% of children who accidentally eat them develop minor gastrointestinal side effects.
Holly poses more of a threat. Its pointy leaves could hurt children trying to touch it, and the berries are mildly poisonous. Just eating five berries could lead to abdominal cramping and vomiting in children.
Fake Candie and Fruit Decorations
Fake candy canes, fruits, and other foods are lovely decorations. However, it’s best to avoid them if you have small children who could try to eat them, not knowing they are not real.
These decorations could contain toxic materials or pose a choking hazard for small children and pets.
Know Where to Go for An Emergency
Accidents will happen regardless of how careful you try to be. But, when they do, it’s important to know where to go.
For severe injuries where the person is unconscious or unable to move, call 911 and ask to be taken to the nearest emergency room. If the victim is conscious and can move, drive them to Prestige ER, which offers two convenient locations in Plano and Mesquite.
Prestige ER is available 24/7 to treat any emergency with the added benefit of minimal wait times. We treat you faster so you can celebrate Christmas at home surrounded by the love of your friends and family.
HealthCare.gov recommends that in case of an emergency, you head straight to the closest ER.
You DO NOT need to get prior approval from your health insurance company.
They will cover expenses barring whatever your deductible and coinsurance/copayments are for emergency treatments.
Prestige ER is open and ready to care for you during an emergency in which your health is significantly jeopardized 24/7, we work with all major insurance companies and our Patient Advocate team is available to help you understand your coverage and rights. We will guide and fight for you every step of the way.
They will cover expenses barring whatever your deductible and coinsurance/copayments are for emergency treatments.
Prestige ER is open and ready to care for you during an emergency in which your health is significantly jeopardized 24/7, we work with all major insurance companies and our Patient Advocate team is available to help you understand your coverage and rights. We will guide and fight for you every step of the way. For more information regarding your rights as a patient, view our Insurance Information.
Know Where to Go in the Event of an Emergency
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Part of caring for your health is to know where to go in case of an emergency. Please keep in mind that Prestige ER is Open 24/7 every day of the year, if you need us, we are here for you.
We are available 24/7 because an accident can happen at any time. Do not risk your health! Get help from the ER experts when you need it, visit us immediately.
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