An Idiot’s Guide to Holiday Safety

12,500 people make emergency room visits every year due to the holidays.

Christmas trees cause an average of 300 fires each year which result in 30 injuries, 10 deaths every year, and $10 million in property damage.

When buying a live tree, make sure it is fresh. A fresh tree:

1. Is green.

2. Has needles that are hard to pull from the branches and do not break when you bend them between your fingers.

3. Has a trunk that is sticky with resin.

4. Should not lose a lot of needles when it taps the ground.

Christmas Lights cause 150 house fires every year which cause 14 injuries and 8 deaths.

73% of Christmas light fires are caused by electrical problems.

Look for lights that have been tested for safety by a recognized testing laboratory, such as ETL or UL.

Check each set of lights for any broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, and loose connections.

Wires should never be warm to the touch.

Candles and Decorations

Candles are used in 7 out of 10 U.S. households.

Keep burning candles within sight.

35% of candle sales occur during the holiday season.

Never use lighted candles on a tree or near a tree.

11% of Christmas tree fires were caused by candles being too close to the Christmas tree.

Place handles out of reach of children and pets.

Christmas Toy Safety Tips

Toys such as bikes, scooters, roller blades and skateboards can cause falling injuries.

Chargers, batteries, and adapters can cause thermal burns and serious injuries.

New Year’s Eve Safety Tips

Drink Responsibly. Don’t set down your drink. If you leave, take it with you.

Drive Responsibly. Never drink and drive.

Bring a Friend. If you plan on going anywhere for the New Year’s Eve holiday, don’t go alone.

Alcohol-related Deaths. New Year’s Day has the highest number of alcohol-related deaths.