- ‘Tis the Season for House Fires: Avoid house fires by making sure that candles are placed in a safe holder that prevents them from getting knocked over—and always double check to make sure the flame is out when you leave the room.
- Oh, Christmas Tree: Christmas trees are responsible for over 200 fires each year, according to an article on Forbes.com. The culprit? Dry, brown, dead pine needles that are much more flammable. Be sure to keep your tree healthy and green, away from fireplaces, and always turn off the Christmas lights when leaving the house.
- Decorate Wisely: Using indoor extension cords or indoor light bulbs on your outdoor Christmas lights is a recipe for disaster. These items are not waterproof, and especially in damper climates, can shock you or spark a fire.
- Poisonous Holiday Plants: If you plan on having children or pets around your house during the holidays, you might want to re-think the holly and mistletoe—both of which can be toxic if ingested.
- Deep-Fried Turkeys: Yet another fire/burn hazard on the list, deep-frying your turkey comes with a slew of safety hazards. Keep your guests, home and yourself safe by following all guidelines and instructions on your fryer.
- On the Road: With the holidays comes busier roads, and ultimately, more traffic accidents. From cross-country travel to driving home from a Christmas party in town, be mindful of your surroundings, avoid driving in hazardous winter weather and never get behind the wheel after drinking.
- Shoveling Snow: According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in 2012, more than 34,200 people were treated for injuries sustained while shoveling snow. To avoid back injuries or other serious health problems, push the snow (vs. lifting it), don’t throw snow over your shoulder or to the side, clear snow early and often, and pace yourself.
- Decking the Halls: Each year, thousand of people end up in the hospital with injuries associated with falls while decorating. Always make sure that you have a sturdy ladder or other surface that is made to be stood on while putting and taking down lights and decorations.
- Sledding Accidents: If you or your children are planning on sledding, make sure to avoid overly-busy hills and areas with a high number of trees.
- Holiday Heart Attacks: The stress of the holidays can bring about all sorts of health issues, especially if you are already prone to them. Know the symptoms and be aware of them to stay safe.
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