The holiday season is a magical time of year, with festive décor and Christmas carols at every turn. But danger is often lurking nearby – and your spot on the Nice List won’t prevent a holiday-related injury.
While a trip to the hospital isn’t topping anyone’s wish list, the emergency room is inevitably flooded with patients this time of year. To help prevent the seasonal spike that occurs between Christmas and New Year’s, West Law Firm has provided some simple tips:
Avoid Decorating Don’ts.
Whether you’re stringing lights or hanging a wreath, keep in mind that you’re not as sure-footed as Santa when you’re up on the housetop. Falls from roofs send many folks to the ER each year – but you don’t have to shun decorations to stay safe.
Tip: Make sure you have the right ladder for the job (one that doesn’t require standing on the top step) and choose a dry day with calm winds. Designating a “spotter” is a great idea, too!
Celebrate Smart.
‘Tis the season to eat, drink and be merry – but overindulging can be dangerous. Considering that about one in ten ER visits on Christmas are related to alcohol or drugs, it’s clear that a variety of injuries can occur when you’re under the influence. But that’s not an excuse to swap drinks for dessert – especially if you have a preexisting heart concern! In fact, the stress of the season combined with overeating is thought to worsen cardiac conditions. Food poisoning is also a common occurrence, due to undercooked meat, food left out too long and improper hand washing.
Tip: Make sure to refrigerate leftovers within two hours of cooking. And use a food thermometer to ensure your main dish is cooked just right!
Handle (Knives) With Care.
As kitchen activity increases around the holidays, knife accidents do, too. But keeping out of the kitchen won’t necessarily prevent injury. Scissors, box cutters or knives used to open presents and packages can quickly turn Christmas morning into a disaster.
Tip: Exercise caution when using sharp objects, and always take your time. Rushing to get that last dish on the table isn’t worth a nasty cut. And when opening boxes, point the sharp tool away from you and watch out for the hand steadying the box – and any little hands that are grabbing for their gift!
At West Law Firm, our experienced injury attorneys are dedicated to serving Berkeley County families, and ensuring your holiday season is a happy one!
If we can help, just let us know. Give us a call at 843-761-5626 or click here to schedule your free consultation!
Happy holidays!