Don’t Let the Holidays Land You in the ER

By JENNIFER CIPRIANO, BSN, RN, CMSRN

It’s time to decorate for the holidays!

In all the excitement, we sometimes forget to take precautions. Keep these safety tips in mind:

Decorate your tree while keeping in mind your kids and grandkids and any children who may be visiting.

  • Move the ornaments that are breakable or have metal hooks toward the top of the tree.
  • Be aware of small ornaments that may be a choking risk for young children.

Water the tree regularly. Natural trees look beautiful and smell great, but if they’re not watered regularly, needles can dry out and pose a potential fire hazard.

Lights are one of the best parts of holiday decorating. Check the lights to make sure they do not pose a fire hazard.

  • Take a look at the ones on your tree and in and around your home for exposed or frayed wires, loose connections or broken sockets.
  • Don’t forget to turn your tree lights off each night.

Use caution when decorating outdoors. In our Emergency Department, we see patients injured from preventable falls and accidents each November and December.

  • Always have someone else working with you when hanging lights or decorations from a ladder or roof.
  • Make sure the ladder is on a secure and level footing before climbing.
  • Make sure all extension cords and electrical decorations used for outdoor decorating are marked for outdoor use.

SOURCES: Safe Kids Worldwide & Electrical Safety Foundation International

About the Author

Jennifer Cipriano, BSN, RN, CMSRN, is the Trauma Continuum of Care Coordinator for Lakeland Regional Health. 

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