Influx of Holiday Decorating Related Injuries
Holiday decorating related injuries are on the rise, according to The Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Reported injuries include cuts from broken glass ornaments and spills off of ladders while hanging up lights, the commission said on Tuesday.
According to the commission, 12,000 people had to be treated in emergency rooms due to holiday related activities in 2009.
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The government estimates that over 13,000 people were treated in emergency rooms for holiday related injuries during November and December of 2010.
In a statement to AP, Commission Chairman Inez Tenenbaum offered some advice to avoid injuries and fires during the holiday season. "A well-watered tree, carefully placed candles, and carefully checked holiday light sets will help prevent the joy of the holidays from turning into a trip to the emergency room or the loss of your home," Tenenbaum said.
According to the commission, between 2006 and 2008, Christmas tree fires caused approximately four deaths each year and $18 million in property damage.
A recent report from the National Fire Protection Association in Quincy, Mass., said U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 240 home fires a year between 2005 and 2009. Each fire began with Christmas lights and candles, trees too close to heat sources, or electrical failures.
Frank Dwyer, a spokesperson from the Fire Department of New York says winter is the “worse time of year for deadly fires,” as many people are using their heat sources more and decorating for the holidays.
Dwyer provided The Christian Post with these vital safety tips for the holiday season:
- Have a working smoke detector. This increases your chances of surviving a deadly fire.
- Practice kitchen safety. Do not permit small children and pets to run around the kitchen while cooking.
- Use holiday lights that say UL approved.
- Do not place your Christmas tree near heat sources.
- Try not to overload extension cords.
Dwyer encourages people to visit NYC.gov and look for more safety tips under the fire department’s page.
