- Accidental poisonings. Holiday decorations can include poinsettias, mistletoe, and oils and products meant to smell like cranberries or gingerbread. These new items can prove to be very tempting for young children, especially when these products are scented. Pets can also be in danger of ingesting these potentially harmful products. Where possible, keep such items well out of reach and supervise children and pets closely.
- Burn injuries. When families are busy and candles are left burning to bring holiday cheer to a home, fires can accidentally start. Children may also get to close to the flame and burn themselves. Additionally, fireplaces are often lit at this time of year, creating additional risks. Keep candles and fireplaces monitored at all times. Additional electrical use - in the form of outdoor decorations and indoor lights - can also pose fire hazards. Old-fashioned electric lights can overheat and can cause burn injuries and fires. Before decorating for the holidays, look over your lights and electric decorations. If you see signs of wear, replace your lights. Consider switching to LED lights, which stay cooler and therefore pose a smaller risk of fire. Also, avoid using excessive electrical products in one outlet can help prevent electricity fires.
- Car accidents. Extra stress and rushing during the holidays can mean more mistakes behind the wheel and therefore more car accidents. Holiday parties and festive drinks can also lead to more drunk driving accidents at this time of year. To stay safe, make sure that your car is in good condition and practice defensive driving. Have a holiday plan for getting home safely if you attend a party where alcohol is served.
- Pedestrian accidents. With more shopper running in and out of stores during this time of year, pedestrian accidents are more of a risk, especially in parking lots, where hurried shoppers and hurried drivers both share the same space. Both drivers and pedestrians have a duty to prevent accidents. If you drive, keep alert for extra shoppers walking around at this time of year. When you are shopping, take extra care to watch for drivers and ensure that drivers can see you at all times.
- Slip and fall accidents. Thoroughly search your house before the holiday begin. Are there broken gates or lights that pose a danger? Is there a leaking gutter that is causing a pool of water to form on a walkway? Identify possible dangers and have them fixed promptly. Additional rain and wet leaves at this time of year can lead to slip and fall injuries, which can mean broken bones, twisted ankles, and even head injuries. Keep the area around your property and business clear of debris and any possible dangers - such as puddles. When out walking, wear sturdy shoes that offer good traction. Indoors, food preparation and some decorative items can cause spills. If these are not cleaned up right away, they can lead to slips and injuries. Poor lighting contributes to many slip and fall accidents. Install motion-detector lights or bright lights along walkways to help visitors reach your home safely.
- If you are leaving for the holidays, secure your home well and hire someone to check in periodically. Even if you are away, you may be responsible for keeping your outside areas safe. If a child wanders into your backyard due to a faulty gate, for example, and falls into your pool, you may be held liable, even if you are not at home at the time of the incident.
- Head injuries. Head injuries are quite common at this time of year. Many people take part in winter activities, such as skiing and skating, which can increase the chances of head injuries. As well, some accidents are more common at this time of year - such as pedestrian accidents, car accidents, and slip and fall accidents - which can also increase the chances for head injuries. No matter what your holiday plans, keep safety rules in mind. If you do fall or bump your head, remember to get the injury checked by a physician to ensure that a head injury does not ruin your holidays.
- Accidental cuts and bruises. Broken holiday ornaments, sharp edges on toys and on decorations can cause cuts and other injuries. In households with children, it is a good idea to keep decorations high, away from children.
- Injuries caused by defective products. Not all toys and products sold during the holiday season are safe to use. At this time of year, when most of us get several new items in our home, it is a good idea to remain alert to product recalls and to remove recalled products from the home at once.
- Children at Holiday events. Supervise children near vendors and refreshment stands. Hot elements and hot drinks can mean burn injuries for small hands. Do not let your child wander too close to the floats or entertainers. Items may accidentally drop from floats or entertainers with costumes may not notice your child and bump into them. Hold your child’s hand at all times so they do not wander away. If you have a small child, keep in mind that others may not notice your child and may inadvertently bump into him or her. Carry small children and look for areas that are not as crowded. Teach small children how to find a police man in case they become separated from you. Have a plan in case you get separated from your group. Older children can be taught to meet you at a pre-selected place. Younger children can be taught your cell phone number and how to find a police officer in the crowd. Make sure your child washes their hands before eating and after returning home from the parade. Crowds may have ill people in them and smaller children may end up touching items on the crowd. This season, with concerns about the H1N1 flu, it is a good idea to encourage children to wash hands frequently. Bring a small packet of hand sanitizer so that you can wash hands before eating parade treats.
