National studies show that more people are injured or die during the holidays and especially on Christmas Day and New Year's Eve than any other time of year. Thirty percent of all house fires and 38% of all fire deaths occur during this period.  http://www.esfi.org/resource/holiday-data-and-statistics-359 Fires related to dried out Christmas trees, frayed cords, and wires, carelessness around the stove and oven, fireplace and even heaters.

As you might expect there is an increase in the number of trip and fall injuries and deaths during the holidays as well. Extension cords and decorations placed where family members aren't used to seeing them and unstable ladders are the most common causes. Poisonings including carbon monoxide are also on the rise these months.

On top of this our kids and grand-kids are at greater risk of injury or death. 

So here are my friendly Holiday Alerts for you and your family:

• Check your fire extinguisher for pressure and make sure all family members know where it is
• Verify all smoke alarms are in place and working
• Always have two people using a ladder. One going up and the other on the ground to steady
• Keep areas where people walk clear of cords and decorations
• Check water on tree daily (don't let pets/kids drink)
• For Kids its mostly choking and strangulation injuries. Beware of choking on uninflated balloons, plastic film packaging of toys, button batteries, marbles, small balls and strangulation on string, cords and straps. https://www.cpsc.gov/safety-education/safety-guides/toys/
• And, for the kids' sake, your entire family's sake, for your sake and for all of us don't drink and drive.