Christmas Safety Tips for Seniors

Now that Thanksgiving is past us, Christmas will be here before you know it. This means that homes will soon be adorned with all manner of holiday decorations, inside and out. But, along with all of that beauty and magic comes some serious risks for seniors.

Here are some helpful tips for keeping your home safe through the Christmas season from Davis’ nursing homes in Wilmington NC.

Holiday Lighting Safety

When it comes to stringing lights, only use lights that have been UL tested. Lights that have been tested and certified feature the UL logo on both the packaging and on the tag located next to the string’s plug. In addition, only use lights rated for indoor use on the inside of your home. Lights rated for outdoor use tend to burn hotter and this can pose a fire risk if used indoors.

Before installing, check the lights for cracked sockets, loose or broken bulbs, and damaged wires. Only use extension cords that are rated for the intended use and always turn off your holiday lights before going to bed or leaving the house.

Christmas Tree Safety

Because of certain hazards associated with having a fresh-cut Christmas tree, seniors should ideally use artificial trees that are rated “fire resistant.” But, if you simply must have the fresh-cut tree, at least make sure it is as fresh as possible. The limbs should be flexible and the needles soft. Place the fresh-cut tree away from any registers, fireplaces, or radiators and always keep the tree-stand filled with water.

Holiday Candle Safety

Holiday-scented candles and other traditional candles like Menorahs are popular this time of year, but the open flame can pose a risk if not cared for properly. When using your holiday candles, make sure they are placed away from any combustible materials and in non-flammable holders. Keep kids and pets away from the flames and always blow out the candles before going to bed or leaving the house.

Fireplace Safety

Winter is the time of year when fireplaces get good workouts, and none as much as over the holidays. The roaring and crackling fire just makes the holidays that much more special. But, fireplaces need to be treated with the utmost respect and used properly to ensure optimum safety. For instance, a fireplace should be cleaned at the start of every season to remove any built-up tar inside the chimney that could be flammable. Plus, on Christmas morning it is important to keep all plastic packaging and wrapping paper out of the fireplace as they can ignite very quickly. A screen should also be placed in front of the fireplace when it is in use to help prevent sparks from floating out of the hearth where they can land on and ignite in the room.

Davis Community Nursing Homes in Wilmington NC Wishes You a Safe and Happy Holidays

Christmas is a magical time of the year, but it is also a season that calls for special safety considerations, especially among seniors. Follow the tips listed above and practice general safety measures throughout the winter and you’ll be sure to have a happy and healthy holiday season this year.

For more information about Davis Community or our nursing homes in Wilmington NC, just give us a call today at 910-566-1200.