Christmas may be when many miracles happen, but it’s also the peak of holiday-related accidents and injuries. Firefighters and hospitals are especially busy around Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Here’s what you need to know about which Christmas decorations are dangerous and how to stay safe during the holidays:
Christmas Tree Fires
Every year, at least 100 fires in the UK are caused by Christmas trees. They are not that common, but Christmas tree fires are more likely to be serious and can cause deaths and damage compared to other home fires. Any Christmas tree can catch fire, but artificial trees tend to light up faster because they are made from plastic petroleum.
On the other hand, if you’ve decorated a real Christmas tree, you may be safe from fires, especially if you’ve bought a dry tree or don’t keep it moist.
If you want to buy a real tree, get one from a tree farm or rely on the services of Xmas tree companies that offer Christmas tree delivery, installation and recycling. They ensure your tree is freshly cut and will give you proper guidance about keeping it green and moist throughout the holidays.
Remember to check your electric appliances for malfunction and keep candles away from the tree.
Christmas Lights Fires
For the past three years, the fire brigades in the UK have responded to 65 registered fires caused by faulty Christmas lights or malfunctions. Of those, just 22 were in 2022. That’s a small percentage compared to the total number of dwelling fires. However, they are significant enough to contribute to fire statistics.
You can ensure the safety of your home during the festive season by adopting a proactive approach. Never leave the fairy lights on when you are not at home, and try not to overload the electric outlets. Another thing to consider is that you don’t overload electric outlets, or it will lead to short circuits. Another thing to double-check is that your Christmas decorations are child and pet-proof and out of reach to prevent any unwanted problems and injuries.
Falls
Falls can turn the festive season into a real headache, with many ending up in the hospital due to accidents while decking the halls for Christmas. Too often, it’s related to falling off a ladder or the rooftop. But that’s not all – tripping on twinkling Christmas lights, taking a tumble from furniture, or encountering a fallen Christmas tree can also land you in the emergency room.
There are a few things you can do to stay safe this year. When climbing a ladder, ensure it’s sturdy and positioned on a flat, secure surface. Keep decorations within arm’s reach to avoid overstretching and maintain your balance. Also, take a moment to inspect your ladder for any wear and tear before the ascent. It’s all about keeping the season jolly without taking a tumble!
Spray-On Snow
Spray-on snow is easy to use, and you can make incredible Christmas decorations for your windows, but it can be quite the Christmas hazard. Spray-on snow contains toxic chemicals, including acetone and methylene chloride.
You can inhale these toxins while making spray snow decorations. Common health problems that occur are nausea, headaches and lightheadedness. If you use spray-on snow to decorate, ensure you are not in a small or poorly ventilated room.
Christmas Lights with Lead
Christmas lights cause fires, but they also contain toxins like lead. This makes them potentially dangerous Christmas decorations. Researchers found that four out of five fairy Christmas lights contain lead at such high levels that it would be illegal to sell in Europe. Manufacturers claim that lead is a necessary factor in producing Christmas lights.
This doesn’t change the fact that they are among the top Christmas hazards threatening your health. When you buy Christmas lights, make sure they have a warning label if they contain chemicals, and never let them on for too long.
Christmas Tree Candles
Faulty Christmas lights, dry Christmas trees, and candles as well cause Christmas fires. The top three days for Christmas candle fires are Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. People tend to leave inflammable Christmas decorations too close to the flame. Candles are considered as dangerous Christmas decorations for one more reason. They can release hundreds of toxic chemicals into the air every time you light them. Scented candles are potentially hazardous since they often contain phthalates, a chemical that has been linked to numerous hormonal disruptions and other health problems.
Tinsel and Other Small Ornaments
Small decorations may seem like innocent additions to your festive setup, but they can pose unexpected dangers when it comes to your little ones and furry friends. Tinsels and those charming little ornaments might catch the eye of curious babies, toddlers, and pets, turning your Christmas decor into potential hazards. Those tiny parts can be a choking risk, especially for the youngest members of your household.
If you want to keep the season joyous and worry-free, take a moment to consider the safety of your pets and kids. Make it a festive rule: hazardous decorations, like tinsel and small ornaments, should be kept well out of reach of small children. A little precaution goes a long way in ensuring that everyone, big and small, can enjoy the holidays without any unwelcome surprises.
Holiday Candies and Christmas Treats
You should be cautious around popular holiday treats and candies because kids tend to gobble them too fast and might choke. As you know, candies are high in fructose, and overeating could lead to insulin resistance. This won’t happen if you eat Christmas candies only around the holidays. Remember that sweets must be kept away from pets since they can’t process sugar.
Mistletoe and Holly
Last but not least, don’t underestimate the hazard potential of mistletoe and holly. People often think that the most poisonous Christmas plants are poinsettias, but they aren’t toxic to people.
However, mistletoe and holly are among the dangerous Christmas decorations. Mistletoe berries and leaves are poisonous, and their consumption leads to blurred vision, upset stomach, changes in blood pressure and sometimes death. Holly is highly toxic, and 20 berries are enough to kill a child.
Ensure kids and pets don’t have access to mistletoe and holly. If you remember these potential hazards around Christmas and try to avoid them, you will have a safe holiday. You have to stay alert for any problems that might occur and react on time.
Conclusion
Amid the festive cheer, you must be mindful of potential dangers in your holiday decorations. From fire hazards to toxic substances, our homes can become unexpected battlegrounds for accidents.
So, as you deck the halls, remember these safety tips: check your Christmas tree’s moisture, inspect your lights for malfunctions, secure your ladder when reaching new heights, and steer clear of toxic decorations.
Keep small ornaments out of reach for the little ones, and be cautious with festive treats, ensuring they’re enjoyed in moderation. By staying vigilant, you can provide a season filled with joy and safety for all. Happy and safe holidays!
