12/12/2001

 

 

Extra Caution Is Advised During the Holidays

 

Most people look forward to this time of the year.  Whether we celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, or Three Kings Day, this is a time for gathering with family and friends, a time to enjoy festive decorations and good food, and a time for gift giving and well-wishing. While the traditions associated with the holidays make this season beautiful and special, they also can pose risks to health and safety.  Every year, holiday-related accidents send 8700 people to the hospital for treatment resulting from falls, burns, shock, and cuts and bruises. 

 

With the hustle and bustle of the season, people often forget to consider safety measures that seem obvious with a little thought.  When decorating for the holidays, keep in mind that Christmas trees are involved in 400 fires each year.  According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, Christmas tree fires result in 20 deaths, 70 injuries, and $15 million in property loss and damage. This is in addition to the 10,000 candle-related fires that occur annually.  In order to minimize Christmas tree fires, a number of measures should be taken:

 

            --Look for the words “fire resistant” on labels for artificial trees. 

 

            --When buying live trees, look for signs that the tree is fresh.  The needles

               should be hard to pull from the branches and should not break when bent

               between your fingers. The bottom of the trunk of a fresh tree should be

               sticky with resin.

 

            ­­--Make sure any type of tree is well-supported and placed away from fireplaces,                                             radiators, televisions, and any other hear source. Keep the tree out of the way of                       traffic. Do not block doors with the tree.

 

            --When using a live tree, be sure there is plenty of water in the stand, and check

               the water level daily.

 

            --Only use lights that have the U.L. listing on the label; be sure to check for signs of

               wear and tear.  Avoid using lights that are frayed or have broken or missing bulbs.

 

            --Do not use more than three strings of lights on one extension cord, and never

               place cords under rugs or in traffic paths.

 

            --Turn off tree lights when leaving the house or going to bed.

 

            --Never burn tree branches in your fireplace.

 

Since so many of the holiday traditions involve burning candles, take care to keep all combustible materials away from the candles. Never decorate live or artificial trees with lit candles. It is important to remember to extinguish candles when going to sleep or leaving the house, and be sure they are in sturdy holders.  Candles pose a fire risk and a burn hazard; both flames and hot wax can cause injuries.  Keep matches, lighters, and candles away from children.

 

Cuts, bruises, and broken bones from falls can be avoided by carefully placing decorations and extension cords away from trafficked areas.  Do not allow gifts, toys, and wrapping paper to accumulate in one area. But do not burn wrapping paper in the fireplace because it ignites suddenly and can start a fire easily.  And remember small children in your home; avoid the use of decorations that are breakable or have sharp edges, and watch out for small parts that may create a choking hazard.

 

Electric shock is also a concern during the holiday season.  Remember to unplug lights when replacing a bulb.  If you have a metallic tree, do not use electric lights on the tree, but use colored spotlights to illuminate it.  Make sure outside decorations use only outdoor lights and outdoor extension cords.  Be sure outside trees with lights do not touch power lines, and check to see that electrical connectors stay out of puddles and snow.  And avoid overloading wall outlets and extension cords with both indoor and outdoor decorations.

 

And finally, be prepared in the event an accident does occur.  Be sure your house is properly equipped with smoke detectors.  A carbon monoxide detector is also a good idea, and an operable fire extinguisher should be readily available.  Every home should have basic first aid supplies on hand, as well as flashlights with fresh batteries.

 

The holiday season creates lasting memories. Make this year’s memories happy ones by keeping your home and loved ones safe.  The staff of the Central Connecticut Health District wishes everyone a safe, healthy, and happy holiday.