In the aftermath of tree-lighting ceremonies and “Black Friday,” the countdown to Christmas is everywhere with us. From those who relentlessly shop to those who religiously bemoan over-commercialization.
But there’s one other reminder that the holiday season is here: safety ratchets up as an issue. From criminals and from accidents.
TPD’s “Operation Deck the Malls” means an increased police presence in parking lots. It also means a public-education offensive. By now an anti-crime mantra, the seasonal advice for shoppers is now an annual drumbeat. There is no holiday from carefulness and common sense.
*If possible, shop before dark. If not, park where the lighting is good. *No matter how brief the expected shopping stop, lock everything and make sure vehicle windows are closed. Not as obvious as it sounds when you’re in a hurry and on a retail mission. *Keep packages out of sight. Make room in the trunk. *Avoid carrying lots of cash. *Put your wallet somewhere other than your back pants pocket. Put your purse under your arm with the strap across your body.
The holidays are also the season for the accident prone. Orthorpedic-related injuries top any short list. According to the Centers for Disease Control, research estimates that 5,800 people annually visit the emergency room due to decorating-related falls. Typically broken bones from hanging house lights and tree ornaments.
“People often get caught up in the hectic nature of the season and focus less on safety while engaging in holiday-related activities,” points out Craig Bennett, MD, of the Center for Bone and Joint Diseases in Hudson.
The key variable in decorating–inside or outside–is the ladder. That’s obvious enough in the abstract, but eager-to-please, festive decorators aren’t always at their most mindful. The ladder needs to be set on a flat, even surface and no need is compelling enough to use the top two rungs. In effect, ignore John Keats at Christmas and don’t worry about your reach exceeding your grasp.
And, no, sofa arms, although temptingly accessible, are not a safe place to decorate from.
The other major holiday catalyst sending people to emergency rooms is fire related. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, holiday fires injure more than 1,600 people per year. That means doing more than just enjoying the ambience of tree lights, candles and fireplaces and the warmth of space heaters.