Stay Safe This Christmas, Avoid These Holiday Hazards
‘Tis the season to be jolly, but if you haven’t put up your holiday decorations yet, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is saying, “You’d Better Watch Out.”
That’s because, according to CPSC estimates, some 15,000 people were injured and had to visit emergency departments last year because of holiday decorating. The majority of holiday injuries (34 percent) that led to emergency department visits were due to falls. This was followed by lacerations (11 percent) and back strains (10 percent).
Tragically, between 2009 and 2011, ten people died and 20 people were injured when Christmas trees caught fire. There were 200 Christmas tree-related fires reported during that same time period that resulted in $16 million in property loss. Another 70 deaths and 680 injuries were attributed to candle-related fires.
To avoid holiday injuries, the CPSC recommends that revelers discard holiday lights that are damaged, water Christmas trees regularly and always extinguish candles before leaving a room.
Other CPSC holiday safety tips include:
- Heeding warning labels on ladders.
- Placing trees away from heat sources.
- Avoiding sharp, weighted, or breakable decorations that may harm small children.
- Keeping burning candles within sight and putting them on stable, heat-resistant
surfaces. - Making sure that holiday lights have been listed for safety by a nationally-recognized
testing laboratory. - Checking extension cords for damage.
- Checking that lights have been certified for outdoor use.
- Not burning wrapping paper in the fireplace.
The last thing you want is for a loved one or yourself to be injured during the holidays. Be smart and stay safe. Farah & Farah wishes you a joyous, fulfilling, and safe holiday season!
