While the next month truly is the most wonderful time of year, it also inevitably brings its share of stresses and concerns. Activities such as decorating, hosting family and preparing meals are challenging but essential to the holiday experience.
With so much to do, it’s inevitable that things will occasionally go wrong. ER visits spike around holidays. And while driving during these busy times is always inherently dangerous, there has also been a drastic jump in decorating injuries over the past four years. Yes, decorating injuries.
While it can be fun to marvel at his poor decisions concerning ladders, lights and staple guns – especially when performed by Chevy Chase in Christmas Vacation – these missteps can lose their humor when they become real-life incidents.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), an average of about 250 serious, decor-related injuries occur per day in December. The most frequently reported injuries are falls and lacerations, often involving ladders. The CPSC also lists candles and dry Christmas trees as major sources of concern for national fire departments and emergency rooms.
It’s definitely worth reading through this helpful list of safe decorating practices put together by the CPSC. No checklist or guide, however, can replace good old common sense. Enjoy the holidays, but please use your head. Hopefully you won’t land on it.
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