Holiday Safety Tips Shared by Good Samaritan to Help Avoid ER Visits

While the spirit of Christmas fills the air with joy and celebration, it also quietly ushers in a less festive reality: a multitude of overlooked safety risks. Each year, thousands of preventable injuries disrupt holiday cheer, stemming from the very things that make the season bright – from festive decor and candles to increased holiday travel and new toys. In fact, this time of year is surprisingly hazardous, with holiday decorations alone sending an estimated 18,000 Americans to the emergency room annually.

To help families navigate the season safely, CHI Health Good Samaritan suggests the following tips to avoid a trip to the emergency room this Christmas:

• Keep small decoration pieces out of reach of children (choking hazards)

• Handle glass ornaments carefully (laceration hazards)

• If using a ladder stay centered, don't overreach

• Never leave candles, fireplaces, or stove-tops unattended

• Store batteries away from extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, exits, and anything flammable

• Follow age recommendations and check toys for small parts

• Gift helmets with new scooters, bikes, and skateboards

• Carry an emergency kit in your vehicle–blankets, first aid, jumper cables, flashlight, water, snacks, prescriptions, phone charger

“The holidays are a time for making cherished memories, not for emergency room visits,” says Tracy Rademacher, RN, Trauma Prevention Educator. “By being mindful of common hazards and taking simple preventative steps, most of these accidents are entirely avoidable. Our goal at Good Samaritan is to empower our community with the knowledge to enjoy this special time safely.”