The holidays are full of traditions and fun. At the heart of getting ready for the holidays? Decorating! Decorations become more elaborate every year it seems.

It’s not just your Christmas tree and some lights anymore. Yard art and interior decorations require a lot of work—but the stunning results are always worth it. But sometimes, in our haste to make our houses cheerful, Christmas ready and picture perfect, we forget that decorating can pose a few hidden dangers. But not if you remember take a few safety precautions and know your limits. Here are a few tips to help you get through the holidays safely:

The most important thing to remember is never decorate alone if you are using a ladder. And whether you use a ladder or not, you’re moving boxes, hanging lights and more so it’s always a good idea to have your spouse, a friend or an adult child home to help. Your body isn’t used to these movements, so whether you pull a muscle or take an unexpected tumble, you’ll need someone to be there for you.

Always be careful when digging through ornament boxes. Ornaments are often made of glass and can break during shifting and movement. Those cherished ornaments can become very sharp so watch out for anything that may puncture or cut your hands.

We love the smell or spruce-scented candles around the holidays. But remember, candles should never be left in an empty room or where a child might reach them and burn themselves—or worse. Candles can easily be knocked over by pets and can cause fires as well.

If you decide to go for a real Christmas tree this Christmas, make sure your tree is not dried out. Test the needles making sure they bend; if they snap immediately, then that’s not the tree for you. If lights are strung on a dried-out tree, the tree is more likely to ignite and cause a fire.

If you’re getting on top of your roof or using a tall ladder for a two-story home, use ladder safety precautions at all times. Make sure either you have experience and a spotter or hire someone to do it for you. Better safe than sorry.

We wish you a safe and joyful holiday season you and your loved ones. It is our sincere wish that the only danger you encounter this Christmas the temptation of all the delicious sweets around you.

However, if you or loved one find yourself injured, the ER at Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake is here to help.

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SkipTheERWaitingRoom.com to reserve your time online and comfortably wait at home. It’s quick, easy and you’ll be seen by a healthcare professional within 15 minutes of your scheduled time.

If you have a life-threatening emergency, call 911.

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Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake

9400 Poppy Drive
Dallas, TX 75218

214-324-6100
www.doctorshospitaldallas.com