At left, Billy Dunfee of Cross Builders, on ladder, works on a roof of a house in Coshocton, OH.
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(Cleveland, OH) – It’s the most wonderful time of the year in many ways — but in others, it’s quite dangerous. One reason for that is holiday decorations. While they might sound harmless initially, there are a number of hazards linking amid the lights, tinsel, and ribbons.
Dr. Carole Parsons is an emergency medicine physician with the Cleveland Clinic. She notes falls from ladders are the most common injuries. Those can occur both indoors and outdoors, but are most comonly observed when setting up outdoor lighting. Dr. Parsons reminds people it’s important to have the ladder fully opened, with any latches secured, and planted firmly in the ground. Also, get someone to hold the ladder for you. And don’t try to reach out too far while hanging lights!
Lights themselves and other electronics are a potential risk this holiday season. Any broken bulbs or frayed wires are an immediate fire risk. They should be tossed immediately. Dr. Parsons says living trees should also be kept far from fire places or other sources of fire — like candles.
Last year, nearly 15,000 people were treated in emergency centers, as a result of holiday decorating-related injuries. Those stats come from the Consumer Safety Product Commission.
