How to keep yourself safe this holiday season

Yes, it’s the most wonderful time of the year, at least according to singer Andy Williams. But it’s also the time of year when emergency departments tend to see more accidents and injuries associated with the holidays, and crime in general increases.

Short of hiding under the bed until Jan. 2, how can you keep yourself and your family out of harm’s way during the holidays? There are a lot of organizations offering a lot of tips, but here are the ones I think are the most important.

Health and safety

Accidents around the holidays are especially heart-breaking, and most can be avoided by practicing just a few safety rules.

• Moderate alcohol consumption: Studies continue to show that any amount of alcohol is not beneficial to one’s health, and over-indulging is associated with a host of illnesses, including liver damage, cancer and heart disease.

And while it can lubricate a social gathering, the loss of inhibition can also lead to arguments, fights, falls and hurt feelings. So enjoy that eggnog with a dash of nutmeg and common sense.

• Stay safe on the road: Obviously, don’t drive when impaired by drugs or alcohol, or when the weather outside is frightful. Another good idea is to make sure your headlights are working well. As we age, our night vision diminishes. If your headlights are old, or the lenses are cloudy, your ability to react to a road hazard is markedly reduced.

• Spring for new Christmas lights: If the lights for the tree or house are more than a few years old, it’s time to replace them. Lights that are older may have frayed cords and present a fire hazard. The newer LED Christmas lights are highly energy-efficient, don’t contain mercury and don’t get hot to the touch, so they’re a lot safer.

• Don’t leave candles burning: The fragrances of balsam and fir complement the holidays wonderfully, and who doesn’t love the warm glow of a candle? But please don’t go to bed or leave the house without extinguishing them.

• Be careful where you aim that champagne cork: When you pop the cork on New Year’s Eve, aim it away from yourself and others. Better yet, reduce the risk of injury by covering it with a towel and gently twisting the cork. It should release with just a small pop.

• Keep walkways clear of trip hazards: Falls are a big cause of holiday injuries. Our decorations may create an unfamiliar walking path for someone with low vision or mobility issues, and there may be extension cords or toys in places where anyone might trip.

• And keep your two feet on the ground: There are a lot of ways of decorating the outside of your house that don’t require getting up on a ladder. A broken hip is no way to spend Christmas.

Crime safety

According to the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS), robberies and personal larceny are the two crimes that typically increase during the holidays. So it’s especially important to remain alert to what’s going on around you.

Situational awareness: More and more, we tend to walk around looking at or talking on our phones. You may not be paying attention, but criminals prey on people who are distracted.

Instead, walk with your head up and eyes open so you can observe the people and activity around you. Keep your wallet or purse well hidden, and don’t carry a lot of cash. Walk in well-lighted areas where there are a lot of people about.

Financial awareness

The Federal Trade Commission says Americans lost $9 billion in 2022 to financial scams. Keep your money safe by not answering calls from unknown numbers or giving out personal information over the phone. Now might be a good time to reduce the amount of information you’ve shared about yourself on social media.

Artificial intelligence, though it has great potential to benefit society, is also proving to be a criminal accomplice. Using AI, a criminal can create a video or audio recording that can make you believe it’s a family member asking for money.

Fur babies

And, finally, as mother to several fur babies, I want to remind everyone to keep their companion animals safe, too. Make sure they’re not being given treats or food that are harmful. Keep them inside during New Year’s Eve fireworks, and away from poinsettia and mistletoe. Eating those may not be fatal, but it may cause stomach upset and vomiting. (Also true for human kids.)

Let’s enjoy the season and let’s be careful out there!

• Teri Dreher is a board-certified patient advocate. A critical care nurse for 30+ years, she is founder of NShore Patient Advocates (www.NorthShoreRN.com). Her book, “How to Be a Healthcare Advocate for Yourself & Your Loved Ones,” is available on Amazon. She is offering a free phone consultation to Daily Herald readers; call her at (312) 788-2640 or email teri@northshorern.com.