10 tips for staying safe (& out of the ER) during holiday decorating
Wisconsin Emergency Management gives advice on avoiding being one of the 15k people who go to the ER each winter for holiday decorating injuries.
The festive season brings an array of twinkling lights and cherished decorations to homes across Wisconsin, but it also introduces hidden safety risks that many overlook. Each year, thousands of Americans face holiday-related injuries and accidents, prompting Wisconsin Emergency Management to issue crucial safety guidance for the season.
Holiday decorating injuries prompt safety concerns
According to recent data from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, approximately 160 people suffer decoration-related injuries daily during the holiday season. Last year alone, emergency rooms nationwide treated roughly 14,900 people for injuries sustained while decorating for the holidays, with falling accidents accounting for nearly 50% of these incidents.
“The best way to enjoy peace of mind during the holidays is to remember safety comes first,” said Wisconsin Emergency Management Administrator Greg Engle. “By taking a little extra care your home can be a place of cheer, not danger.”
Fire safety takes priority during festive season
The National Fire Protection Association reports that fire departments respond to an average of 835 home fires originating from decorations and 155 fires specifically related to holiday trees. To minimize fire risks, experts recommend:
- Regular watering of live trees and maintaining a three-foot distance from heat sources
- Using only three sets of connected incandescent lights to prevent electrical overload
- Immediate replacement of damaged light strands
- Constant supervision of lit candles and using flameless alternatives when possible
- Nightly unplugging of all decorative lighting
Practical steps for safer decorating
To prevent common decorating accidents, Wisconsin Emergency Management recommends:
- Using appropriately sized and sturdy ladders
- Wearing slip-resistant footwear
- Avoiding furniture as makeshift ladders
- Maintaining clear pathways free of decorations and cords
- Addressing uneven walking surfaces promptly
For those hosting holiday gatherings, additional safety measures include keeping cooking areas free from decorations and distractions, maintaining easy access to fire extinguishers, and ensuring smoke alarms are properly functioning on every floor. Families are also encouraged to create and practice emergency escape plans.
For more comprehensive holiday safety information, visit ReadyWisconsin’s website or follow their social media accounts on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
Read More Here
Read More Wisconsin News
This article may have been created with the assistance of AI.
Our stories may be republished online or in print under Creative Commons license CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. We ask that you edit only for style or to shorten, provide proper attribution and link to our web site. Please see our republishing guidelines for use of photos and graphics.
