Prevent Injuries While Hanging Holiday Decorations

As the pumpkins come down and thoughts of holiday lights arise, take heed that putting up your Christmas lights outdoors can land some folks in the ER during the holidays.

In the 2019 holiday season, the latest data available, about 14,800 people were treated in emergency rooms due to holiday decorating-related injuries. Accidents while putting up holiday lights outside and other decorating-relating mishaps cause an average of about 160 decorating-related injuries each day during the holiday season, with almost half of the accidents involving falls, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

"Most commonly injuries are sustained from falling, either from ground level or from any height such as from a ladder or roof," said Regina Nuseibeh, nursing manager at the Franciscan Health Lafayette East emergency department.

And those injuries could be serious.

"We see a variety of injuries associated with falls," said Nuseibeh. "Most common for older adults include extremity fractures, hip fractures, pelvis fractures, head injuries including brain bleed. If they strike their chest on an object, we often times see rib fractures."

How Can You Prevent Injuries While Hanging Holiday Decorations Outside?

Keep in mind these tips from Nuseibeh and the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) for safely decorating outside for the holidays:

1. Minimize falling or tripping hazards.

Clear the area of things you may trip over. Make sure you are working on a steady, dry surface. If using a ladder, make sure someone is helping steady that ladder. Wear non-skid shoes.

2. Be mindful on ladders.

If you must go on the roof or hang items on a second story, know how to use a ladder safely and have a buddy to help.

"Have someone assist with steadying a ladder, do not reach while on a ladder, and wear non-skid shoes," Nuseibeh said.

3. Protect your back.

If you're decking out your house for the holidays, be careful when hanging lights or lifting heavy boxes.

"Use good body mechanics while carrying decorations," Nuseibeh said. "Keep back straight, bend from hips and knees, do not bend at your waist, lift the object using arm and leg muscles, and hold the object close to your body at waist level."

4. Dress for the weather.

The cold weather, along with physical exertion, can lead to falls, injuries and heart attacks. Know your limits, especially if you've been injured before. Dress for the cold and stay hydrated and avoid overexertion.

5. Be ready for emergencies.

"Assure you have a cell phone with you in case you do fall and cannot get up,"Nuseibeh said.