Avoiding Trips to the ER During the Holidays

The holiday season is a time for joy, love, and togetherness. But it can also bring unexpected trips to the ER if we're not careful. We understand that you want to fully enjoy this special time without any worries. That's why we're here to share some simple steps that will help keep you and your loved ones safe and healthy. Remember, a little caution can go a long way in making sure your holidays are filled with nothing but happiness and laughter!

Common Holiday-related Accidents

Several common accidents tend to occur during the holiday season.

• Food poisoning. The holidays are a time of feasting, but improper food handling or undercooking can lead to foodborne illnesses. It's crucial to store and cook food properly, and always wash hands and surfaces before and after handling food.
• Falls from holiday decorations. Decorating the home is a cherished holiday tradition. However, climbing on ladders to hang lights or ornaments carries the risk of falls, particularly in icy or slippery conditions.
• Burns from candles or cooking. Candles add a warm holiday glow, and the kitchen is often a hub of activity. But left unattended, candles can start fires, and hot stoves or ovens can cause severe burns. Always monitor any open flames or heat sources, and keep a fire extinguisher handy just in case.
• Choking hazards. Small decorative items such as ornaments, tinsel, or even candy can pose choking hazards to young children and pets. Keep these out of reach, and always supervise little ones around potential hazards.
• Poisonings. Certain holiday plants like mistletoe and poinsettias are poisonous if ingested, so be sure to keep them out of reach from children and pets. Also, be mindful of alcoholic drinks at parties that can be dangerous if consumed in excess.

Food and Alcohol afety

Food Safety Tip

When it comes to food safety during the holidays, following a few simple rules can help prevent foodborne illnesses.

• Proper storage and preparation. Keep raw and cooked foods separate to avoid cross-contamination. Refrigerate leftovers within two hours to keep them safe to eat.
• Cook thoroughly. Use a food thermometer to make sure meats are cooked to the recommended internal temperature. For example, turkey should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Wash hands frequently. Always wash your hands before and after preparing food, especially when handling raw meats.

Alcohol Safety Tips

Just as important as food safety is ensuring that alcohol is consumed responsibly.

• Drink in moderation. Know your limit and always drink responsibly. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) define moderate drinking as up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men.
• Don't drink and drive. Always designate a non-drinking driver if you plan to drink alcohol.
• Be aware of interactions with medications. Some medications can dangerously interact with alcohol, so it's important to talk to your doctor or pharmacist about any potential risks. 

  By taking these precautions, you can ensure a safer holiday season for everyone.

Decorating Safety Tips

When decorating your home for the holidays, it's essential to keep safety at the forefront. Here are some tips to help prevent accidents:

• Use a sturdy ladder. If you're hanging decorations in high places, be sure to use a sturdy and stable ladder. Never use furniture as a makeshift ladder, as it's not designed to support your weight in the same way.
• Secure your decorations. Ensure all decorations are secure and well-anchored to prevent them from falling and causing injury. This is particularly important for outdoor decorations that may be affected by wind or weather.
• Be mindful of tripping hazards. Keep pathways clear of cables and decorations to avoid tripping hazards. If you're using extension cords, make sure they're safely tucked away.
• Inspect lights. Before stringing lights, inspect them for any damaged cords or loose bulbs to prevent electrical shocks or fires. Additionally, never overload electrical outlets with too many plugs.
• Choose decorations wisely. Opt for shatterproof ornaments or decorations, especially if you have children or pets. Glass or fragile decorations can break and cause injuries.

Preventing Burns

Keeping safe from burns during the holidays is a matter of being mindful and taking some simple precautions. Here are some guidelines to follow:

Candle Safety

• Never leave burning candles unattended. Always extinguish candles before leaving a room or going to sleep.
• Keep away from flammables. Ensure candles are placed away from anything that can catch fire, like curtains, holiday decorations, and furniture.
• Use a sturdy holder. Always place candles in a sturdy candle holder that won't tip over easily.
• Keep them out of the reach of children and pets. Place candles high enough to avoid the reach of kids and pets.

Cooking Safety

• Stay in the kitchen. Never leave cooking unattended, especially when frying, grilling, or broiling food.
• Use timers. Using a timer can remind you to check on your cooking and prevent it from burning.
• Keep flammables away from the stove. Keep oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, and towels away from the cooking area.
• Dress appropriately. When cooking, avoid loose clothing or dangling sleeves that can catch fire.

Choking Hazards

Choking is a common risk during the holiday season, with small decorations and candies that can easily be swallowed. Here are a few ways to prevent choking:

• Always supervise children. Keep a close eye on children, especially when they're eating or playing.
• Keep small objects out of reach. Small toys, decorations, and even certain types of food can pose a choking risk. Make sure to keep these items out of the reach of children.
• Teach safe eating habits. Teach children to chew their food thoroughly and not to talk or laugh while their mouth is full.
• Be cautious with certain foods. Foods like hard candies, nuts, and grapes can be choking hazards. Always supervise children when they're eating these foods and consider cutting them into smaller pieces.

What to do if someone is choking
If someone is choking, act quickly and calmly. Here's what to do:

• Ask if they're choking. If they can talk, cough, or breathe, they might be able to dislodge the object themselves.
• Perform the Heimlich maneuver. If the person can't talk, cough or breathe, stand behind them and wrap your arms around their waist. Make a fist with one hand and place it just above their navel. Grab the fist with your other hand and give quick, upward thrusts.
• Call for help. If the object isn't dislodged quickly, call 911 or have someone else do so.

Prevention is the best way to avoid a choking incident. Always be cautious and keep potential hazards out of reach.

Fire Safety

Fire safety is crucial all year, but there are specific hazards during the holiday season to be aware of. Here are some easy-to-understand tips to keep your home safe from fires:

• Christmas tree safety. If you have a real tree, keep it watered. A dry Christmas tree can catch fire more easily. If you have an artificial tree, make sure it's labeled as fire-resistant.
• Light safety. Only use holiday lights that have been tested for safety (look for a label from a recognized testing laboratory). Replace any lights with frayed wires, broken sockets, or loose connections.
• Fireplace safety. If you're using your fireplace, make sure it's cleaned and inspected beforehand. Keep any holiday decorations away from it, and always use a screen to prevent sparks from flying out. Never leave a fire unattended.
• Kitchen safety. Cooking is a common cause of holiday fires. Never leave your food unattended on the stove or in the oven. Keep anything that can catch fire, like oven mitts or wooden spoons, away from your stovetop.
• Smoke alarms. Make sure your smoke alarms are working. Test them by pushing the test button and replace the batteries if necessary.

The holiday season, although full of joy and cheer, can also pose various safety risks. By taking cautionary steps, you can avoid common accidents such as food poisoning, falls, burns, choking, and poisoning. Adhere to the guidelines provided for food and alcohol safety, decorating safely, preventing burns from candles and cooking, and guarding against choking hazards. Lastly, always ensure that your home is protected from fire hazards. By being mindful of these safety tips, you can ensure a festive and safe holiday season for you and your loved ones.