Falls from ladders, step stools or standing  

Putting up decorations inside or outside your home enhances its appearance and boosts holiday spirit. However, decorating can lead to injuries without proper safety precautions. When using ladders, select the appropriate type for the task, considering height, weight capacity and style (step ladder, extension ladder, etc.). Inspect for defects like cracks, warps, or loose parts. Secure the ladder at the top or bottom to prevent slipping. Keep your body centered and avoid overreaching. Never stand on the top step, as this causes instability.

Falls also become more likely when winter weather causes ice to form, making surfaces slippery. On icy days, salt driveways and sidewalks to prevent falls at your home.

Even if a person seems fine after a fall, it’s often advisable to seek medical evaluation, especially for older adults or if they hit their head. If someone has fallen, gently shake the person and ask if they’re okay.  If they are unresponsive or have altered consciousness, call for emergency medical help immediately. Ask the person about pain, especially in the head, neck, or back. For cuts and scrapes, clean the area with soap and water and cover with a sterile bandage. Apply ice to any swelling or bruising for 15-20 minutes.

Food poisoning

During the holidays, there’s nothing quite like savoring favorite foods that bring warmth and joy, creating cherished memories with loved ones around the table.  Food poisoning is a common, but potentially serious illness caused by consuming contaminated food or beverages, leading to a range of symptoms that can put a damper on enjoying the holidays. Food poisoning causes symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps and sometimes fever. The main culprits are bacteria, viruses, parasites and chemical substances. Common risk factors include improper food handling or cooking, cross-contamination between raw and cooked foods, inadequate refrigeration, and consuming undercooked or raw foods.

To prevent food poisoning, follow food safety guidelines: wash hands and surfaces, cook food to proper temperatures, and store food correctly. If you suspect food poisoning, stay hydrated and consider seeking medical attention.

Burns and cuts

Spending more time in crowded kitchens increases the likelihood of accidents, as distractions can lead to burns and cuts from hurried food preparation. Prompt and proper treatment of burns and cuts is crucial to prevent infection and promote healing. For burns, immediately run cool (not cold) water over the affected area for 10–20 minutes. If running water is unavailable, use a cool, wet washcloth. Cover the burn with a sterile, non-stick bandage or cloth. Avoid using cotton balls or materials that might stick to the burn. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage pain. Don't apply ice, butter, or ointments to the burn. Seek medical help immediately for burns larger than 3 inches or deep, blistering burns.

Seek medical help for a cut if it's deep enough to see fat, muscle or bone; if bleeding doesn't stop after 10 minutes of direct pressure; if you notice increased redness, swelling, warmth or pus around the cut; if you develop a fever; if the cut edges are jagged or don't stay together with gentle pressure; or if the cut was caused by a dirty or rusty object and you haven't had a tetanus shot in the last five years.

Back injuries and sprains

Good body mechanics help prevent injuries when handling packages, gifts, trees, and even those nieces, nephews or grandchildren who have grown since the last time you saw them. Maintain a neutral spine by aligning your head, shoulders and hips to evenly support your body's weight. Keep your center of gravity low and balanced for improved stability, especially when lifting or carrying objects. When picking something up, use your legs rather than your back to lower yourself before lifting. Hold items close to your body and avoid twisting while lifting or carrying. Instead, turn your entire body to prevent strain. Widen your base of support by positioning your feet shoulder-width apart to enhance stability.

If you or someone else has an injured back, have the injured person lie down in a comfortable position, ideally on a firm surface, to relieve pressure on the back. For acute injuries, apply ice packs wrapped in a cloth to reduce swelling for 15-20 minutes. After a few days, heat packs can be used to relax tight muscles. Encourage the person to avoid twisting or lifting to prevent aggravating the injury.

Cardiac arrest and heart attack

The three days with the highest risk of heart attacks are Dec. 25, Dec. 26 and Jan. 1. A heart attack, or myocardial infarction, occurs when blood flow to part of the heart is blocked, usually by a blood clot. This can damage the heart muscle and requires prompt medical attention. Cardiac arrest happens when the heart stops beating due to an electrical problem. Without immediate intervention such as CPR and defibrillation, it can be fatal within minutes.

Heart attacks occur more frequently during winter months due to a combination of environmental and lifestyle factors. Cold weather can constrict blood vessels, increasing blood pressure and heart workload. This raises the risk of heart attacks, especially for those with existing heart conditions. The holiday season often brings increased stress levels, which can trigger heart attacks in susceptible individuals. Rich, high-calorie foods and increased alcohol consumption during winter festivities can contribute to heart strain and elevated cholesterol levels.

Prioritizing safety during the holiday season is essential for ensuring a joyful and injury-free experience. By remaining vigilant and proactive, whether it’s using caution while decorating, being mindful of kitchen safety or practicing safe body mechanics, we can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and injuries. You can also download the Red Cross First Aid app and activate our First Aid Skill on Alexa-enabled devices for instant access to tips for a variety of emergency situations that they may face.

Encouraging awareness among family and friends about potential hazards and implementing simple preventative measures will help create a festive atmosphere everyone can enjoy.