Tips for a safe, healthy holiday from Medical City Decatur

As the holiday season approaches, Medical City Decatur reminds the community to prioritize safety while celebrating the holidays.  

To help families stay safe and healthy, Medical City Decatur is sharing tips for a safe holiday season:

• Ladder safety: When hanging Christmas lights or decorations, always place the ladder on stable, level ground. Avoid hanging lights in wet or strong wind conditions. Have someone hold the ladder and never stand on the top cap.
• Inspect lights and cords: Keep decorations safe by checking lights for frayed wires and keeping trees away from heat sources.
• Kitchen caution: Stay in the kitchen while cooking. Keep flammable items like towels and paper away from heat sources.
• Travel preparedness: Check weather conditions before traveling and keep an emergency kit in your car with blankets, water and a flashlight.
• Mental health awareness: Protect your own peace during the holiday season by setting boundaries, staying connected and prioritizing mental health.

“We see preventable injuries such as falls and burns related to holiday activities every year,” says Michael Hong, MD, Medical City Decatur ER medical director. “Being mindful and taking a few simple precautions can help ensure the holidays are spent at home, not in the emergency room.”

If the unexpected happens, Medical City Decatur is a full-service emergency room staffed with board-certified emergency physicians who provide expert, compassionate care close to home. Emergency services are offered 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including full-service pediatric emergency care, with diagnosis and treatment for infants and children.