Avoid Holiday Injuries
Decorating for the holiday season should be plenty of fun.
But hanging those decorations -- especially if a ladder or step-stool is involved -- can take the jolliness right out of the holidays if you fall.
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons offers these holiday decorating ideas:
- Hold off on the cocktails until after the decorating is done.
- Use a shorter ladder or step-stool when possible. An extension ladder may be your best bet for outdoor or high decorating jobs.
- Never put more weight on the ladder than it can hold. Also, clean and inspect the ladder before use to make sure nothing is loose or broken.
- Make sure the ladder sits on a sturdy and even surface.
- Don't stand on a piece of furniture to put up a decoration.
- Always wear shoes or sneakers, and make sure the laces are securely tied.
- Don't move anything heavy or awkward by yourself. Find someone to help you.
Health Tip: Be Cautious at Christmas
Holiday decorations, including trees and lights, should be properly set up and maintained to keep your home merry and safe.
The National Safety Council offers these suggestions:
- Never burn evergreen branches or wreaths in an indoor fireplace, as they can cause large flames.
- Be careful where you place lit candles. Keep them away from trees and other decorations.
- If you have young children, avoid putting decorative plants around the home. Many plants, including mistletoe, holly berries, Jerusalem cherry and amaryllis, are dangerous if swallowed.
- Be careful when spraying decorations with artificial snow. Doing so makes them more flammable.
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