Holiday Cheer, No Fear: Tips to Prevent Falls
As the holiday season begins, so too does the joy of decorating, memory-making, baking, and celebrating with loved ones. This time of year is all about bringing warmth and cheer into our homes, whether it's through stringing lights, hanging ornaments, or preparing festive treats in the kitchen. However, amidst all the excitement, it's easy to overlook the potential hazards that come with these activities. A fall or injury can quickly turn holiday joy into holiday stress.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, there are nearly 80 decorating-related injuries each day during the holiday season, and many of these are due to falls. From reaching for that top shelf in the closet to retrieve holiday decorations, to standing on ladders to place the star on the tree, the risks are real and can lead to serious consequences. The bustling nature of the season, with its added tasks and tight schedules, can often lead to a lapse in attention to safety—especially when we're excited to create the perfect holiday environment.
Whether you're traveling to visit loved ones, hosting family gatherings, or simply preparing your home for the festivities, it's crucial to prioritize safety to ensure that your celebrations remain joyous and accident-free. Simple precautions, such as securing rugs, ensuring proper lighting, and using ladders correctly, can make a significant difference in preventing falls and other injuries. And it's not just about physical safety; keeping your home organized and clutter-free also contributes to a stress-free environment where you can fully enjoy the holiday spirit.
In this blog, we’ll share essential tips to help you stay safe and happy this holiday season. By incorporating these practices into your holiday preparations, you can focus on what truly matters: spending quality time with family and friends, making cherished memories, and enjoying all the warmth and joy this season has to offer—without the worry of a fall ruining the fun. Whether you're decking the halls or preparing to welcome guests into your home, we hope these tips will help you maintain a safe, comfortable environment throughout the holiday season. So, let’s get started and make this holiday season not only the happiest but also the safest one yet!
Tips from Decorating to Celebrating: How to Stay Falls-Free This Holiday Season
The holiday season is filled with joy, but it also comes with some risks. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), many holiday-related injuries stem from unsafe practices during decorating, cooking, and even playing with toys. To help you stay safe and keep the festivities joyful, we’re sharing some key tips to prevent falls, whether you’re decorating, hosting, or traveling this holiday season. Here’s how to stay falls-free from start to finish!
Decorating Safely
Decorating is a cherished holiday tradition, but it can also be hazardous. Follow these tips to keep it fun and safe:
Don’t Climb Alone: Always have someone with you when using a ladder. Not only does this add a layer of safety, but decorating with others makes the process more enjoyable! Invite family or friends over to help you trim the tree or hang lights.
Secure or Avoid Decorative Throw Rugs: If you’re planning to use decorative throw rugs, make sure they’re secured with rug tape to prevent slips and trips. Better yet, consider skipping them altogether this year for a safer environment.
Keep Pathways Clear and Well-Lit: Ensure that the path between your front door, driveway, and mailbox is well-lit and free of clutter. Avoid placing large decorations that could create tripping hazards in these areas. Indoors, consider adding extra lighting in hallways and walkways to help guests walk through safely.
Hosting for the Holidays
When hosting, your home becomes the hub of activity. Keep these tips in mind to create a safe and welcoming environment for everyone:
Declutter: Holiday preparations can lead to clutter—boxes of decorations, stacks of gifts, and more. Take time to declutter and organize your space to reduce fall risks for your family and guests.
Mind the Toys: If you have children or grandchildren visiting, be vigilant about picking up small toys that could cause someone to trip. A quick sweep of the play areas can make all the difference.
Consider Your Home Layout: If you have a two-story home and are expecting older guests, arrange for them to stay on the first floor to avoid stairs. This simple step can significantly reduce fall risks.
Pet Safety: Pets can be a tripping hazard, especially when your home is busier than usual. Make sure your pets are out of the way, or consider using gates to restrict their access during high-traffic times. For more on this, check out our blog on pet safety!
Traveling for the Holidays
Traveling to loved ones’ homes is part of the holiday magic, but unfamiliar surroundings can increase fall risks. Here’s how to stay safe while on the go:
Get Comfortable Asking for Help: It can feel awkward to ask for help when you’re a guest, but your safety is worth it. Whether it’s navigating stairs or reaching for something out of place, don’t hesitate to ask your host for assistance.
Know Your Comfort Level: Be aware of what makes you feel safe or unsafe, and communicate those concerns to your host. They’ll likely appreciate your honesty and be more than willing to accommodate your needs.
Rest: Remember to rest amidst the hustle and bustle. It’s tempting not to want to miss anything, but we get tired, that’s when we are more likely to lose focus and attention.
Use Support When Needed: If you use a cane or walker, bring it along and don’t be shy about using it, especially in unfamiliar areas. If you feel unsteady, ask someone to walk with you.
Wear Proper Footwear: When traveling, pack footwear that’s both supportive and appropriate for the weather. Lightweight boots with good support are ideal. Consider purchasing snow grips or ice cleats for your shoes to provide extra traction on icy surfaces. Check out this footwear guide from the CDC if you aren’t sure where to start.
Preventing Falls Outdoors
Secure outdoor decorations; ensure that all outdoor decorations are secured to prevent them from tipping over or becoming tripping hazards. Be sure to check them regularly.
Be aware of extension cords; with additional lighting comes long cords to give the lights power. Be sure to move extension cords out of walking paths and make sure they do not pose a hazard.
Be mindful of weather conditions; Check the weather forecast before heading out, and try to avoid outdoor activities during particularly icy or snowy conditions.
Conclusion: Celebrate the Holidays Safely
As you enjoy the holiday season, remember that a little preparation can go a long way in preventing falls and keeping everyone safe. Whether you’re decorating, hosting, or traveling, taking the time to implement these simple tips can help ensure that your celebrations remain joyful and injury-free.
Don’t forget to make use of the numerous resources available to you. From detailed guides on fall prevention to local programs designed to keep you active and safe, there’s plenty of support to help you navigate the season confidently. Explore the Standing Strong NC website for more information, see our falls prevention coalition’s list of additional tips, download the home safety checklist, or reach out to local community centers for more support. Wishing you a happy, healthy, and safe holiday season!
Resources Referrenced
US Consumer Product Safety Commission
Barrow Neurological Institute- Holiday Fall Prevention
Mayo Clinic- Healthy for the Holidays
Author: by Amber Chapman, Editor: Ellen Bailey | NC Center for Health and Wellness