As part of Navicent Health’s ongoing commitment to community safety and preparedness, the health system reminds Georgians to take proper safety precautions when decorating for the holidays.

Take the following steps to ensure you and your family avoid unexpected illness and injury this holiday season: 

Candles

• Always exercise caution when using lit candles in your holiday celebration or decorations.

• Candles should be placed away from walls, curtains or flammable materials.

• Lit candles should be monitored at all times.

• Ensure the candle is completely extinguished after use.

Deep Fryers

• Deep frying your turkey? Place the fryer on a solid, flat surface away from your home.

• Ensure children and pets do not bump into the fryer.

• Monitor the fryer at all times.

• Allow time for the fryer and grease to cool after use.

Decorations

• Avoid glass ornaments and look for shatter-proof options.

• Keep ornaments out of reach for small children and pets – they could post a choking hazard.

• Handle holiday lights with care, checking sockets, wiring and bulbs before use.

• Stringing lights from a ladder takes patience and balance. Always have a helper or two to balance the ladder and assist as needed.

• Holiday plants are pretty but can be deadly. Mistletoe, poinsettia and holly berries are all toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of small children and pets.

“We would prefer that families remain out of our hospitals and at home, celebrating the season with loved ones. Taking extra safety precautions is well worth the time and the effort for you and your loved ones,” said Steve Ramsey, Safety, Emergency Management and Physical Environment Manager for Navicent Health.

For tips on celebrating a COVID Safe holiday season, please click here.

If an accident or injury occurs, seek appropriate medical treatment. For emergency situations, call 911 or seek care at the nearest emergency center. Navicent Health offers emergency care at the following locations:

• Beverly Knight Olson Children’s Hospital, Navicent Health (888 Pine Street, Macon)

• The Medical Center, Navicent Health (770 Pine Street, Macon)

• Medical Center of Peach County (1960 Hwy 247 Connector, Byron)

• Navicent Health Baldwin (821 North Cobb Street, Milledgeville)

• Monroe County Hospital, Navicent Health Partner (88 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Forsyth)

• Putnam General Hospital, Navicent Health Partner (101 Greensboro Rd., Eatonton)

 For non-life-threatening injuries, visit www.navicenthealth.org and select “Virtual Visit” or visit your nearest urgent care provider. Navicent Health provides urgent care at three Macon-Bibb County locations. Visit ExpressVisit.org to check in at a Navicent Health urgent care center before you arrive.