The holiday season is upon us, and as you prepare to welcome friends and family into your home, or if you are traveling, take a moment to review some important safety tips from all of us at IEP Urgent Care.
Tips for Safely Decorating Your Home
The US Product Safety commission created a great checklist of things to keep in mind as you decorate the inside and outside of your home:
Keep potentially poisonous plants away from children. These include mistletoe, holly berries, Jerusalem cherry, and amaryllis.
If using an artificial tree, check that it is labeled “fire resistant”
If using a live tree, cut off about 2 inches of the trunk to expose fresh wood for better water absorption. Remember to water your tree, and remove it from your home when it is dry.
Place your tree at least 3 feet away from fireplaces, radiators and other heat sources, making certain not to block doorways.
Avoid placing breakable ornaments or ones with small, detachable parts on lower tree branches where small children or pets can reach them.
Pay attention to the difference between indoor and outdoor lights, and make sure you're using the correct lights for your application. Choose the right ladder for the task when hanging lights.
Replace light sets that have broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. Follow the package directions on the number of light sets that can be plugged into one socket
Never nail, tack or stress wiring when hanging lights, and keep plugs off the ground away from puddles and snow.
Turn off all lights and decorations when you go to bed or leave the house.
Don't burn trees, wreaths or wrapping paper in the fireplace. Use a screen on the fireplace at all times when a fire is burning.
Never leave candles or fireplaces burning unattended or when you are asleep.
Check and clean the chimney and fireplace area at least once a year.
Holiday Cooking Safety Tips
Don’t fry that turkey in the garage or on your deck! For some, deep frying a turkey is the ultimate holiday indulgence. And if you plan to do so this holiday season, it is never a good idea to do this on your deck or in your garage. Make sure it is completely thawed and dry before frying. And follow these additional tips from State Farm Insurance and the kitchn.
Stay in the kitchen: Always make sure at least one adult is in the kitchen at all times when cooking on the stovetop to avoid unattended fires.
Keep kids and pets away from a busy kitchen: Create a “kid-pet-free zone” of at least three feet around the stove and oven, and consider keeping the whole kitchen off-limits to the little ones.
Use cooking timers: Set timers to avoid overcooking or forgetting about items in the oven or on the stove.
Tips for managing stress and staying happy during the holidays:
We all see the depictions of the “perfect” holiday atmosphere on TV and in the movies. It’s fine to go “all-out” for the holidays, but don’t let your desire to create that perfect environment stress you out.
Focus on What Matters: Remind yourself why you celebrate the holidays and focus on the values behind them.
Rediscover Traditions: Lean into simple joys like baking, watching holiday movies, or crafting with loved ones.
Create New Traditions: If maintaining old family traditions becomes stressful, start ones that better align with your current life and priorities.
Manage your Stress Triggers: Plan ahead - prepare for situations or conversations that might cause stress. Have a strategy to redirect or take a break if needed.
Manage Expectations: Focus on what’s most meaningful rather than striving for perfection in gifts, decorations, or events.
“As we embrace the holiday season, the greatest gift we can give one another is the gift of health and safety,” said Dr. Nick Dyc, Medical Director and Emergency Physician and owner of IEP Urgent Care. “Whether traveling, cooking, or enjoying outdoor activities, staying aware of potential risks can help prevent emergencies. And by prioritizing your well-being, you can ensure you’re at your best this season. We at IEP Urgent Care wish you and your loved ones a joyful and safe holiday season!”