National Safety Council: Holiday Safety
The holidays are a busy time of year. Most of us have some time off, travel by various modes of transportation, host parties and spend time with those we care most about. Many of us celebrate different holidays and have our own special traditions we follow each year. Make it a point to include safety as a part of your holiday traditions.
The Winter Holidays
- On average, about 5,800 people, or two to three every hour, were treated in emergency departments for fall-related injuries that occurred while decorating during each of the holiday seasons between 2000 and 2003.
- Candle fires peak in December; the top day for candle fires is Christmas day, followed by Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day. Candle-ignited home fires results in 166 deaths each year and close to 13,000 injuries. Never leave burning candles unattended. Plan and practice your family fire escape route.
- More and more children are going to the emergency department for exposure to medications. Every year, almost 60,000 children visit the emergency room for unintentional drug poisonings. With family and friends visting during the holidays, ask houseguests to keep purses, bags, or coats that have medicines in them up and away and out of sight when they are in your home.
- Cooking and hosting are a huge part of the holiday season. Every year, 76 million people get sick from a food-borne illness. Take the correct food safety precautions to keep your loved ones healthy and safe.
- In December 2009, there were 753 people killed in crashes that involved drivers or motorcycle riders with blood alcohol concentrations of .08 or higher. Celebrate safely; drive sober.