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DECEMBER 2023

Handling holiday mishaps

The holiday season is often called “the most wonderful time of the year.” But from December into the new year, emergency rooms tend to see a sharp increase in accidents and injuries associated with the holidays.

The good news is that you don’t have to roll yourself in bubble wrap to stay safe this season. With some awareness, preparation and safety measures, you improve the chances that you and your loved ones will enter the new year injury free.

When things happen that you can’t prevent and you need help, turn to your Costco benefits. You’ll find the care you need when you need it to get back to good health.

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6 common holiday injuries and accidents (and how to avoid them)

Fall-related injuries during holiday decorating

Everyone wants to deck the halls, but at what cost? According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), approximately 160 decorating injuries occur each day in the U.S. during the holiday season. Almost half of those accidents involve falls that often lead to broken bones, concussions and pulled muscles.

Avoid the injury: If you’re using a ladder to hang your decorations, check for broken or worn parts, especially if you haven’t gotten it out since last year. And when using the ladder, always work with another person. A good rule of thumb from the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons: For every four feet of height you have to climb, move the base of the ladder one foot away from the wall.

Fall-related injuries on ice or snow

A winter wonderland, though beautiful, can also be a risky place. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that approximately 1 million Americans are injured annually from falling on ice or snow. These injuries can range from minor sprains to broken bones and concussions.

Avoid the injury: Taking slow, short steps and wearing footwear with non-slip rubber soles can go a long way in preventing falls. Stay on designated paths that have been cleared (if possible), and don’t take shortcuts. And avoid walking on a particularly dark area — it could be black ice.

Toy-related injuries

Toys are supposed to bring smiles, not tears. But in 2021, emergency rooms across the country treated almost 152,000 toy-related injuries among children aged 14 and younger.

Avoid the injury: Make sure to read all the instructions for new toys, and follow age guidance and safety information listed on the package. If you or your children are using new riding toys (e.g., bikes, scooters, skateboards), wear protective gear and helmets. And remember to keep small parts and packaging away from young children.

Cutting injuries from unwrapping gifts

Opening holiday presents can be a whirlwind, especially with kids, as bows, ribbons and torn paper fly through the air. It can also be dangerous. Using tools like scissors or knives when you’re in a hurry, distracted or overly excited can cause lacerations or puncture wounds that require a trip to the emergency room. On average, 6,000 people a year are treated for package-related injuries, according to the CPSC.

Avoid the injury: When using scissors or a knife, always cut away from yourself and away from anyone else. Help children who are struggling to open a gift. Stay away from using tools like razor blades, box cutters or pocketknives. Have a first aid kit nearby. And keep ribbons and bows away from pets. They can cause intestinal blockages that often require surgery.

Cooking and electrical accidents

Whenever there’s extra cooking, baking and deep fried turkeys happening, an increase in fires or minor burns is inevitable. When you add candles, overloaded electrical outlets and a Christmas tree into the mix, the chance of a fire goes up from there. The American Red Cross estimates that holiday fires cause more than 2,000 injuries each year.

Avoid the injury: Never leave the stove unattended, especially if there are children around. Turn off the oven as soon as food is done cooking. Use your deep fryer outdoors, away from trees and wooden structures, and turn it off immediately if oil starts to smoke. If you have a live tree, keep it watered, or look for a fire-resistant artificial one. Keep all trees at least three feet away from heat vents, radiators or other heat sources. Blow out candles when you leave a room.

Food-related concerns

It’s easy to get caught up in holiday celebrations, but all too often, people get sick from the food and drink they enjoy. Two food-related concerns to be aware of are food poisoning — which can occur when food is left out too long at parties and buffets — and allergic reactions, as more people eat away from home and sample unfamiliar food.

Avoid the injury: If you know you have food allergies, be cautious about trying food that’s new to you or if you don’t know the ingredients. At parties, eat early, when the food is first put out. If you’re the host, wash your hands frequently and prevent cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards and utensils for raw meat and produce. Refrigerate any leftovers within two hours of serving.

If you do sustain an injury over the holidays, your Costco benefits are there to support you. Check out the resources below for more information.

Sources:
UCLA Health. 7 common holiday injuries and accidents and how to avoid them.
Cleveland Clinic. How to walk in snow and avoid winter hazards.