The dangers of Christmas

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The dangers of Christmas

On the 12^th day of Christmas my true love gave to me 1 hospital trip!

More than 80,000 people are expected to get an unwanted present of a trip to hospital during the 12 days of Christmas, including 6,000 on Christmas Day itself, according to safety campaigners.

Rushing to open presents, problems putting toys together, trailing cables from new electrical goods and kitchen disasters all play a part in putting people in A&E.

About 1,000 people have to receive treatment following mishaps with Christmas trees, while another 1,000 are hurt by trimmings or when decorating their homes.

And about 350 people are injured by tree lights, either by falling, being burned or getting an electric shock putting them up or with children swallowing the bulbs.

Thrill of Christmas can lead to accidents

David Jenkins, product safety adviser at the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), said: “One of the good things about Christmas is that there are often more people around to supervise the children but the thrill of Christmas can lead to accidents.

In the excitement, people use knives instead of scissors to cut through packaging or leave cables trailing across the room because they want to check if their new computer or appliance is working.

Kitchens can be dangerous places with hot fat, boiling water and sharp knives around. Spills should be wiped up quickly and great care needs to be taken when getting the turkey out of the oven.

Typical Christmas Day accidents which have sent people to hospital include:

• Parents stabbing themselves with scissors they have grabbed instead of screwdrivers to assemble toys;
• People cutting themselves with knives which they are using to open presents too quickly;
• Children falling off rocking horses or smashing new bikes into walls;
• Tripping over toys and trailing cables in the rush to try out new computers and other appliances;
• Gravy exploding in microwave ovens, hot fat spilled on the cook as they try to grapple with a big turkey and nasty cuts when chopping piles of vegetables;
• Tipsy party guests toppling down stairs or crashing to the floor when they miss their seat at the dinner table.

With a little more care most accidents would not happen and Christmas celebrations needn’t be spoiled by a trip to hospital.

Here are some safety tips for this holiday season:

Children

• If possible, leave small children at home with a trusted babysitter.
• Teach your child to go to a store clerk and ask for help in case your child is separated from you.
• Teach children to stay close to you at all times while shopping.
• Never allow children to make unaccompanied trips to the restroom.
• Children should never be allowed to go to the car alone and they should never be left alone in the car.
• Teach children their full name, address and telephone number to give to police officers or mall security. Teach children to immediately inform you if a stranger is bothering them.

At Home

• Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave the house, even for a few minutes.
• When leaving home for an extended time, have a neighbor or family member watch your house and pick up your newspapers and mail.
• Indoor and outdoor lights should be on an automatic timer.
• Leave a radio or television on so the house looks and sounds occupied.
• Large displays of holiday gifts should not be visible through the windows and doors of your home.
• When setting up a Christmas tree or other holiday display, make sure doors and passageways are clear inside your home.
• Be sure your Christmas tree is mounted on a sturdy base so children, elderly persons or family pets cannot pull it over on themselves.
• If you use lights on your Christmas tree ensure the wiring is not damaged or frayed. Frayed or damaged wiring can cause a fire.
• Place your Christmas tree in water or wet sand to keep it green.
• Never place wrapping paper in your fireplace.

Strangers at Your Door

• Be aware that criminals sometimes pose as couriers delivering gifts.
• It is not uncommon for criminals to take advantage of the generosity of people during the holiday season by soliciting donations door-to-door for charitable causes although no charity is involved.
• Ask for their identification, and find out how the donated funds will be used. If you are not satisfied, do not donate.
• Donate to a recognized charitable organization.

Hosting a Party

• Have non-alcoholic beverages available for party guests.
• Find alternative transportation for intoxicated guests.
• Arrange for an official designated driver for your party who will not drink at all.

Attending a Party

• Have something to eat before consuming alcoholic beverages.
• Eat high protein foods that will stay in your stomach longer and slow the absorption of alcohol into your system.
• Remember only time will eliminate the alcohol from your body.
• Know your safe limit.

Shopping

• Shop during daylight hours whenever possible. If you must shop at night, go with a friend or family member.
• Dress casually and comfortably.
• Avoid wearing expensive jewelry.
• Do not carry a purse or wallet, if possible.
• Always carry your Driver License or Identification Card along with necessary cash, checks and/or a credit card you expect to use.
• Even though you are rushed and thinking about a thousand things, stay alert to your surroundings.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
• Pay for purchases with a check or credit card when possible.
• Keep cash in your front pocket.
• Notify the credit card issuer immediately if your credit card is lost, stolen or misused.
• Keep a record of all of your credit card numbers in a safe place at home.
• Be extra careful if you do carry a wallet or purse. They are the prime targets of criminals in crowded shopping areas, transportation terminals, bus stops, on buses and other rapid transit.
• Avoid overloading yourself with packages. It is important to have clear visibility and freedom of motion to avoid mishaps.
• Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. At this time of year, “con-artists” may try various methods of distracting you with the intention of taking your money or belongings.

No one wants to be sitting in a gross hospital on Christmas, so be smart, be careful, and try not to get too drunk!!! Happy holidays!

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