Keep Your Holiday Celebration At Home – Not With Us!
The holidays are supposed to be a time for family and friends, but some people end up spending it with strangers – medical professionals. According to a report in Quartz, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recorded 1,700 holiday-related emergency room visits from 2011 to 2015. The most common culprit? Putting up (or taking down) Christmas decorations. The one exception occurred on December 25th when the highest number of injuries happened while opening presents.
Decking the Halls
Check the weather before working outdoors. High winds or a recent ice storm can increase your risk of injury. When hanging outdoor lights, avoid bumps, sprains and broken bones by following OSHA’s ladder safety rules. Always use electrical cords and extension cords rated for outdoor use, and make sure the power is off before you begin. Indoors, use a ladder or step stool to reach high places. Never climb on a chair or footstool to hang decorations indoors. Use a sturdy step stool, and take a moment to make sure it’s level.
Oh! Christmas Tree!
Trees don’t generally belong in the house, so it’s no surprise that holiday trees have their own special risks. If you’re using a natural tree, make sure it fits in the house before you bring it home. Make sure it’s set up away from traffic areas in a stable holder with plenty of water. Keep candles away and always turn off lights and electrical decorations when you leave the room. Holiday trees cause an average of 210 fires each year. If you choose an artificial tree, make sure it’s labeled fire resistant.
Risky Gifting
Opening a present shouldn’t be like breaking into Fort Knox. Yet people are injured every year trying to open packages with knives or razor blades. Prevent cuts by making gifts easy to open. Ribbon wrappings can be split at the bottom and fastened together with transparent tape, so they break apart easily. If an item will need scissors or a special tool to open it, have an adult on hand to do the honors.
Prime Urgent Care in Pearland wants you to enjoy your holidays at home, but if something goes wrong, we’ll be here to help. We offer urgent care to children over three months and adults of any age. There’s no need for an appointment. View our full list of services and come see us if you need help.
