SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) – The countdown to Christmas is on, and for many families the season brings joyful celebrations — and unexpected risks.
Memorial Health medical staff say the most common traumas they treat during the holidays are falls, motor vehicle crashes and cooking accidents.
With emergency rooms often the last place anyone wants to spend a holiday, doctors and safety experts are urging the public to take a few simple precautions.
“It’s the last place you want to be on a holiday — the emergency room — but despite our best efforts, it can happen,” said Emily Burnside, Memorial Health’s trauma injury prevention coordinator.
Take extra care when decorating
Many holiday injuries happen at home while decorating or taking decorations down. Burnside stressed that people often rush — and in that rush, basic safety steps get forgotten.
“We want to make sure that we are being safe when we are decorating and undecorating our homes,” Burnside said. “Make sure you always have someone with you monitoring that ladder to make sure it’s set up properly and you’re using the ladder correctly.”
Practical decorating tips
- Use a stable, properly rated ladder for outdoor lights and tall decorations. Never stand on chairs, tables or unstable surfaces.
- Have a second person hold the ladder and hand tools or lights up and down for you.
- Check light strands and extension cords for frayed wires before plugging them in.
- Keep walkways clear of decorations and cords to reduce trip hazards.
Slow down on the roads
According to Memorial Health staff, motor vehicle crashes remain a top concern throughout December. Burnside urged people to slow down and drive carefully amid increased traffic and holiday distractions.
Impaired driving is also a serious risk: the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports nearly 5,000 deaths attributed to impaired driving in the month of December from 2019–2023. Plan ahead — designate a sober driver, use a rideshare service, or stay overnight if you will be drinking.
Kitchen safety and cooking accidents
Holiday meals bring more cooking than usual, which raises the risk of burns, scalds and grease fires. Common-sense steps can prevent many of these accidents.
- Never leave cooking food unattended, especially when frying or using high heat.
- Keep flammable items away from stovetops and open flames.
- Have a working fire extinguisher accessible in the kitchen and know how to use it.
Be mindful of dietary restrictions
There can also be hidden health risks at the holiday table. Dr. Connelly of Memorial Health reminded hosts to consider guests who may not disclose medical conditions or dietary needs.
“During the holidays when you have mixed company, maybe not everybody wants to tell you that they’re diabetic or that they’re really struggling with heart failure or high blood pressure,” Dr. Connelly said. “It’s always good to try to have a low-sodium meat option when you can.”
Tips for inclusive holiday meals
- Label dishes that contain common allergens (nuts, dairy, shellfish) and note if items are low-sodium or sugar-free.
- Offer at least one lower-sodium and one lower-sugar option for guests with hypertension or diabetes.
- Encourage guests to ask hosts about ingredients rather than assuming dishes are safe for them.
If the worst happens
If someone is injured or showing signs of a serious medical emergency like chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, or loss of consciousness, call 911 immediately.
For non-emergency concerns, contact your primary care provider or your local urgent care.
Plan ahead, stay aware, enjoy the season
Memorial Health staff say that with a little planning and a few safety-minded habits, most holiday injuries are preventable.
Slow down, check equipment, plan sober rides and be mindful of guests’ health needs so everyone can enjoy a safe and happy holiday season.
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