Holiday hazards: How to make sure your family enjoys the season, from setting up proper decor to safely shovelling snow

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle.

The holiday season is meant to be a time of celebration and togetherness. And while many of us are looking forward to both a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, keeping loved ones safe this holiday season should, as always, be top of mind.

From putting up safe Christmas decorations to properly shovelling snow, we've gathered a list of some of the most common injuries that plague the holidays. Below, learn how you can ensure all is calm in your household this winter.

Ensure Christmas lights, decorations are safe

According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, around 14,900 people visit the emergency department each year due to holiday decoration-related injuries. With the risk of injury so high when it comes to Christmas decorations, Health Canada urged people to ensure they're following guidelines to prevent injuries over the holidays.

Ornaments and lights are common markers that it's the holiday season, but they can post a serious risk of injury if they're not properly cared for or monitored. In particular, you want to ensure you're using the correct lights in the right settings — and that they're properly fit for use this season.

Health Canada warned people to familiarize themselves with any recalls before buying new products like Christmas lights. Moreover, you want to use lights that are accredited by a certification agency such as CSA, cUL or cETL.

Plus, ensure you're using the proper lights in the correct settings. For instance, only use indoor lights inside your home, and make sure you read the instructions and recommended wattage. Additionally, make sure you replace nay broken or burnt out bulbs in your lights, and discard any that have exposed or frayed wiring.

Lastly, be conscious about the dangers of a fire when setting up Christmas lights. Most notably, don't plug too many things into one outlet, as an overloaded circuit can cause a fire. Plus, avoid running cords under carpets where they can heat up, and ensure you shut your lights off before leaving home or going to bed.

How to properly set up a Christmas tree

On top of smaller decorations, a Christmas tree is sometimes all you need to get into the holiday season. However, it's possible to run into issues if you're not careful.

If you have yet to set up your Christmas tree this year (or if you're unsure it's in a good spot at the moment), there are a few tips you should check off to prevent any potential at-home dangers:

• Place the tree away from high-traffic areas and doorways

• Ensure the tree is well-secured and in a sturdy stand

• Make sure your tree is away from heating sources, like heating vents, stoves, radiators, fireplaces and burning candles

• If your tree is real, make sure to water it daily and dispose of it once needles start falling off

Additionally, you should be aware of any allergies before spending too much time around a real Christmas tree. In 2019, an Australian woman suffered an allergic reaction to her tree — or Christmas tree syndrome — that seriously derailed her holiday plans.

Minimize holiday hazards to kids

The holidays are an exciting time for family and children, but there are certain things that can cause issues for kids around this time of year. For one, you want to make sure you're keeping some ornaments — particularly those with sharp parts or small removable parts — away from younger kids.

When looking at other holiday decorations, it's also important to think about what materials they're made of if you live with young ones. Tinsel, artificial icicles and others trimmings made of plastic or non-metals are good options, according to Health Canada. Moreover, don't let children put holiday decorations in their mouth, as some products may be harmful to their health.

In terms of toys and presents, one of the most important factors parents want to think about is gifting products that are well-made and appropriate for your child's age. For instance, toys made for older teens might have small parts that can pose risks to young kids.

Shovelling snow

Every year, thousands of Canadians are hospitalized for injuries sustained while shovelling. Researchers have also found that the physical strain of removing snow can trigger serious and fatal health incidents like heart attacks, in addition to more common ailments like back strains and "slip and fall" injuries.

When it comes to shovelling snow during the winter months, you want to be cautious you don't overexert your body. If you need it, don't be afraid to seek help. While shovelling snow isn't necessarily bad for your health, a combination of factors could increase your risk of heart attack.

If you're not physically fit or haven't exercised recently, you want to be cautious if you're heading out the door to go shovel. Canadian Cardiovascular Society expert Dr. Adrian Baranchuk told Yahoo Canada last winter "going from nothing to everything in a matter of seconds" can be dangerous.

When going outside to shovel, one tip is to avoid tackling the entire project all at once. Instead, divide it up into sections, and take breaks to hydrate and rest. Additionally, don't hold your break while shovelling and try to stretch before getting started.

Winter driving

No matter how good of a driver your claim to be, you want to always be more careful when driving in harsh winter conditions. Moreover, ensure your vehicle is equipped with winter tires before a major snowfall hits.

Colder temperatures, snow and ice are all factors that can create dangerous driving conditions in the chilly months. Here are some tips from Public Safety Canada in collaboration with the Canadian Automobile Association to ensure you stay safe on the road:

• Slow down: Fog, black ice, slush and snow can make driving dangerous

• Get winter tires: Traction is key when it comes to winter driving, and it's best to ensure your tires have the proper pressure levels each month

• Top-up windshield fluid: Make sure you're prepared to clear your windshield when necessary, especially by replacing wipers when necessary and carrying an extra fluid jug in your trunk

• b: Keep your fuel tank at least half-full to plan for the worst-case scenario

• See and be seen: Clear your vehicle of snow — including the hood and roof — and scrape away ice from all windows

• Get an emergency winter car kit: Have appropriate emergency supplies in your car at all times, including items like food that won't spoil, water, a blanket, extra clothing, a first-aid kit, a small shovel and a whistle

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