You may be saying to yourself why another one of these holiday safety talks…
Despite all of the educational information, public service announcements and TV adds.
60 injuries, 5 deaths, and the loss of 900 homes are due to deep frying that holiday bird each year according to FOX News
Deep Fryers
How is it that many cooking fires are caused by deep fryers? If you’re asking that question, you must have not had one of the tastiest Thanksgiving delicacies. Some of you purists out there will spend hours roasting and basting that fowl until its skin reaches a beautiful golden brown color. However, others of you will thaw that bird and drop it into gallons of piping hot oil in a deep fryer. The deep-fried turkey is a delicious way to cook a turkey. However, it can be risky—there are numerous hazards that come along with cooking a turkey in a deep fryer. Truly, even the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) has warned against the practice of deep-frying turkeys.
Avoiding Deep Fryer Injuries
There are a few precautions you can take to protect yourself:
Plan ahead. If you attempt to deep fry a frozen or partially thawed turkey, you could end up with serious burns. A frozen or partially thawed turkey could explode or splatter, launching oil on those near the deep fryer. Make sure your turkey is fully thawed before deep frying.
Isolate the fryer. Make sure that fowl and fryer are placed in an area away from guests, children, leaves and flammable items.
Wear protective clothing. Wear flame-retardant clothing, gloves, and eye protection when placing the turkey into the oil and removing the turkey.
Use proper equipment. Make sure your equipment is functioning appropriately.
Buyer beware!
Poorly designed fryers (i.e. fryers without an on/off switch) and stands that are too tall/flimsy can place consumers at risk of serious and permanent injuries and burns, scarring, and emotional distress.
6 Most Common Holiday Related Accidents and How To Avoid Them
Falling While Decorating
Thousands of people (most often men) are injured each holiday season by falling off ladders and chairs as they put up decorations. A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that more than 5,800 men and women are injured in fall-related injuries attributed to holiday decorating or related activities.
People also may sustain fall injuries by tripping over or slipping on holiday-related objects, such as tree skirts, ornaments or an extension cord. By far, most holiday decorating falls involve using ladders or using something to substitute for a ladder.
These accidents can be avoided by using ladders properly:
· Ensure the ladder is on a level surface and the areas around its top and bottom are clear.
· For every 4 feet in height, space the bottom of the ladder 1 foot from the wall.
· Extend a ladder at least 3 feet beyond the edge of a roof.
· Stay centered between the ladder’s rails. Move the ladder instead of overreaching.
· Make sure stepladders are fully opened and locked.
Holiday Fires
In a December 2019, 160 fires caused by Christmas trees and candles. Each year 1,200 fires caused by lighted candles cause injury, death and tens of millions of dollars in property damage each holiday season. When decorating with a recently cut Christmas tree, make sure it is green and its needles do not fall out easily, which means it is fresh. The bottom of a fresh tree is sticky with resin. Set a tree up away from heat sources, such as HVAC vents, radiators or fireplaces, and away from foot traffic. Check its water level every day. Check tree lights for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. Throw out damaged strings of lights. Be sure to use indoor lights on a tree indoors. Check extension cords and do not use cords with cuts or signs of fraying. If you burn candles, make sure candles are on stable, heat-resistant surfaces where children and pets cannot reach them or knock them over accidentally. Keep lit candles away from trees, decorations, curtains, furniture and other items that can catch fire. Never leave a candle burning. Put all candles out before leaving the room.
Slipping On Snow Or Ice
Although not normally and issue here in Florida, If you are traveling to colder areas for the holidays keep in mind snow and ice are natural hazards. Make sure you are taking short deliberate steps, holding on to handrails and ask your host if you can help clear away snow and ice, or if the areas are safe to walk on.
Bad Weather Car Accidents
About 5,000 lives are lost and more than 418,000 people are injured each year across the nation in bad weather car accidents. When you must drive on wet or icy roads, the best advice is slow down and allow more distance between your car and the cars ahead of you. Stay about 20 seconds behind other cars in case they stop suddenly. Signal well in advance of lane changes or turns so other drivers have time to slow down and give you room. Avoid hard braking, because braking can send your car into a skid. Slow down by easing up on the accelerator when possible. If your car begins to skid, turn into the direction of the slide.
Holiday Celebrations
Many people attend parties and gatherings during the winter holiday season. Some gatherings and celebrations include alcohol. Unfortunately, car accidents caused by drunk drivers increase around the holidays. Drunk driving accidents are entirely preventable. If you plan to attend a party and drink alcohol, have a designated driver or get a taxi or a ride-sharing service to take you home.
Winter Sports Accidents
Cabin fever during the holidays never really hurt anyone. But a suddenly active older family member or more energetic youths can be injured in impromptu fun and games during family gatherings. Sudden strenuous activity can cause injuries. Teenagers injured in sports and recreation typically suffer strains, sprains, head injuries and broken bones. Take a moment to assess abilities and to stretch or warm up. Know your limits. Check your and your children's equipment not used in several months. Adults who join in the fun need to make sure older youths look out for smaller kids who are taking part. Adults should keep an eye on competitive games, such as football, so they remain friendly and no one overdoes it. Make sure everyone knows how to get help if injuries occur. It’s also important when playing outdoors during winter to seek medical attention promptly if anyone exhibits symptoms of a serious medical emergency.
The hustle and bustle of the holidays can bring unexpected medical concerns, including increased risk for heart attack and stroke. Several studies have shown that the incidence of heart attack and stroke increase in December and January, particularly on Christmas Day and New Year's Day