Avoid dangers this holiday season

While the holidays can be a wonderful time spent with friends and family, there are also a number of accidents associated with the holidays. According to medical statistics, people have been injured watering Christmas trees without unplugging the lights, testing batteries with their tongues, swallowing decorations mistaken for chocolate, and injuring themselves using sharp knives to open wine bottles.

Even though you may not be the victim of these rare accidents, it is still important to know what to do in case of a holiday health emergency. Here are our Holiday Health and Safety Tips:

1. Have a first aid kit in the car and at home. Here is a list of what the kit should contain or you can purchase kits from the Canadian Red Cross.
2. Get trained in CPR and first aid with the Red Cross.
3. Choose a fresh and healthy Christmas tree and keep it in water, but with electrical wires far away. Ensure your tree is stable and the lights are certified for indoor use to avoid igniting decorations.
4. Since the holidays carry an increased risk of house fires, check that all smoke alarms have working batteries and your family has planned and practiced an evacuation plan.
5. Avoid overloading electrical outlets.