Plan ahead to avoid accidents.

The Holidays are a special time for friends and family to gather. However, they are also an excellent time for accidents in the home. Taking family members to the ER has become something of a tradition in my home.

Take precautions and keep the opportunities for accidents to a minimum. Be vigilant and anticipate trouble – a chair is not a ladder and flameless candles are very attractive. Here are more tips ~

The Kitchen and the Dining Table

Use a timer when cooking, fires can start from burning foods.
Don’t leave cooking food unattended.
Keep oven mitts, towels and aprons away from heat sources.
Consider making a 3 ft. kid and pet free zone to prevent accidental burns.
Keep sharp knives out of reach of young cooks.
If you have young children visiting, consider using placemats in lieu of tablecloths that might get yanked, breaking china or tipping over lit candles.
Provide a highchair for young visitors, and make sure that it is properly secure.
Ask guests ahead of time about serious food allergies and create a menu that avoids them.

The Tree and Plants

Keep the tree away from the fireplace and candles.

Fresh trees

Check for brown needles, a dry tree can be a fire hazard.
Check for spiders and other pests before bringing the tree indoors.
Secure the tree to prevent it from tipping over.

Artificial trees

Make sure the tree is fire resistant and lead-free. This article shows you what to look for.
If an artificial tree comes with lights installed, look for the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) seal of approval to indicate that the proper wiring was used.

Holiday Plants

Red Holly berries can be poisonous and tempting to young children. Keep them out of reach.
Some Mistletoe berries can cause stomach upset and nausea – keep it hanging up high inspiring kisses, and pick up any fallen berries.

Decorations

Keep glass balls and other breakable ornaments on higher branches, away from a child’s reach.
Before using, check lights for frayed cord and damaged sockets.
Indoor lights stay indoors.
Use a step ladder, not a chair, to get to the high spots.
One and Done extension cords – don’t plug two extension cords together.
Keep the tree skirt close to the tree to avoid tripping opportunities or skip it altogether.
Make sure that furniture is well spaced out to reduce tripping accidents.

Wrapping Paper and Packages

Pick up clutter – wrapping paper can hide tripping hazards.
Packaging ‘popcorn’ and plastic can be choking hazards.
Don’t put wrapping paper in the fireplace, sudden fire flashes can be dangerous.
Small toys and lithium batteries can be choking hazards, make sure they are out of small children’s reach.
Use the right tool for the job when opening presents, and putting together new gifts.

Other Rooms

Small rugs can cause tripping, best to avoid altogether, but if you must, use grip tape.
Add slip-resistant treads or decals to the tub and shower floors for overnight guests.
Provide plenty of lighting. Night lights are helpful. This dawn to dusk night light has two charging ports.
Check to make sure you have anti-scald fixtures on the faucet, water should be no hotter than 120°.
Keep doors closed to keep children out.
Ask visiting adults to make sure that medications are out of reach of exploring children – locked in a suitcase or on a top shelf.
Add handrails in halls or grab bars in the bathroom to help older visitors.
Small children may wander at night. If you have stairs, add a gate at the top or arrange furniture to block access.

Be Prepared

Check that smoke alarms are working and fire extinguishers are fresh.
Stock a complete first aid kit and make it easily accessible.
Provide a few flashlights with fresh batteries available.
Keep front walks and entries clear of tripping hazards and ice.
Make sure that your house numbers can be seen easily from the street in case the Fire Department needs to find you (as if the billowing smoke isn’t enough).
If you have visiting children staying with you, get a referral for a trusted local pediatrician in advance before it is midnight and someone has a fever.

Making your home safe for visitors isn’t difficult. It just takes a little planning ahead and paying attention to the possible trouble spots.

I hope you have a wonderful and safe holiday season.

Susie Landsem

Aging in Place by Design