Even the most safety-conscious person can have an accident and end up in the emergency room -- particularly during the holiday season when accidents are more likely to occur.
Surprisingly, some of the most common risks during the holidays are fires and falls, said the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP).
Here are some holiday safety tips from New York emergency physician Dr. Elaine Josephson, that may help make this holiday safer for you and keep you out of the emergency room.
- Keep all your home walks and pathways clear of potential hazards such as ice, toys or discarded gift wrap.
- If you''ll be having house guests or have rearranged furniture to accommodate holiday decorations, use night lights to avoid tripping.
- Don''t overload wall sockets or extension cords.
- Don''t leave indoor electric decorations on while away from home.
- Keep your Christmas tree well watered to prevent dryness and reduce flammability.
- Keep an appropriate fire extinguisher readily available.
- Never drink and drive.
- Keep all Christmas tree lights and ornaments high up enough and out of reach of small children and pets.
- Finally, eat healthy, get enough sleep and enjoy yourself.
by Virginia Sutcliffe