December 12, 2022
PRINCETON, NJ (MERCER)–Princeton First Aid & Rescue Squad (PFARS) urges families throughout our community to enjoy a safe and happy holiday season by brushing up on home safety tips that will help minimize risks and hazards.
“With all the decorations, cooking, and activities that come with the holidays, it is important to be safe while also having fun. Taking a few simple and preventative steps can keep your holiday festivities from going from joyful to tragic this season,” said PFARS Chief Matt Stiff.
Starting from December into the new year, hospitals and emergency departments tend to see a sharp increase in accidents and injuries relating to the holidays. According to American Medical Response, the number of cardiac deaths is higher on December 25 than any other day of the year, second highest on December 26, and third highest on January 1. The risk rises due to holiday stress, over-exertion, skipping medications and dietary mistakes. Accidental burns from cooking, falling from a ladder, and allergic reactions from food choices can sometimes lead to injuries and even hospitalization.
Decorate Safely
When decorating follow these tips from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission:
• Keep potentially poisonous plants – mistletoe, holly berries, Jerusalem cherry and amaryllis – away from children• If using an artificial tree, check that it is labeled “fire resistant”• If using a live tree, cut off about two inches of the trunk to expose fresh wood for better water absorption, remember to water it and remove it from your home when it is dry• Place your tree at least three feet away from fireplaces, radiators and other heat sources, making certain not to block doorways• Avoid placing breakable ornaments or ones with small, detachable parts on lower tree branches where small children or pets can reach them• Only use indoor lights indoors and outdoor lights outdoors, and choose the right ladder for the task when hanging lights. Ladders are responsible for hundreds of holiday-related fall injuries every year. When hanging Christmas lights outdoors, be sure that the ladder is on a steady, dry surface. Clear the area of things that might cause the ladder to fall over, and wear non-skid shoes. It is best to have someone “foot” the ladder, their feet against the two beams of the ladder so it does not slide out with you on it!• Replace light sets that have broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections• Follow the package directions on the number of light sets that can be plugged into one socket• Never nail, tack or stress wiring when hanging lights and keep plugs off the ground away from puddles and snow
• Turn off all lights and decorations when you go to bed or leave the house