10 Winter Holiday Items and Activities More Dangerous Than Sharks
Possessing rows of razor sharp teeth and the ability to effortlessly slice through dark water, sharks make up the stuff of nightmares for many people. Comparing them to Christmas is like comparing apples to cookies, right?
Christmas is Much More Likely to Send You to the E.R. Than Sharks
In terms of sheer numbers of injuries and deaths, Sharks can’t hold a candle (even if they had arms) to what the winter holiday season has too offer. Sharks attack between 50 and 70 people a year, causing an average of 15 deaths. These 10 holiday-related items and activities kill or injure far more people per year on average than shark attacks do.
1. Christmas decorations.
While decorating can be a remarkable way to share in the light of the holidays, make sure you’re safe. Decorating causes over 14,000 hospital visits each year, typically involving burns from lighting and lacerations from ornaments.
2. Icy roads.
As the holiday season approaches, people tend to travel more to visit family and friends. But be careful out there. Over 1,300 people are killed, and 116,800 people are injured in vehicle crashes on snowy or icy roads each year.
3. Snowboarding and skiing.
While winter is cause for celebration in many athletic households, safety should always be kept in mind. Around 35 to 40 snowboarders and skiers die annually in the United States, with more than 50% of all injuries being to the head.
4. Icicles
These are essentially sharp spears of ice that gravity pulls to the ground at alarming speed when they break. Each year, icicle-related accidents cause 15 deaths in the United States – on par with the seemingly deadlier shark. When walking under awnings or next to buildings, check for icicles. Don’t walk underneath them.
5. Wrapping paper.
Home fires cause an annual average of eight deaths and 54 injuries, and wrapping paper can be a huge contributor to these fires. It’s highly flammable, lighting quickly and burning intensely, and may result in a flash fire.
6. Avalanches
While the holidays may not make you think of avalanches, they’re a real contender when it comes to annual deaths. Avalanche deaths per year in the United States are around 250, due largely to skiing and snowmobiling. Those who love winter sports should always be on the lookout for avalanche signs.
7. Eggnog
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, salmonella causes 400 deaths annually. Salmonella can be found in raw eggs, which are an ingredient in this holiday concoction.
8. Christmas trees.
Evergreen trees are highly flammable, especially when dried out in your living room. Add holiday lights that heat up in the mix, and you have prime conditions for a fire. Tree fires often happen because of electrical problems or putting a tree too close to a heater. On average, 15 deaths occur each year from Christmas tree fires.
9. Sledding
Sledding is excellent holiday fun, but it doesn’t come without risks. More than 33,000 people are injured each year while sledding. Make sure you sled down hills that slope gently and have enough room for stopping. Never ride over frozen bodies of water.
10. Toys
Unwrapping presents can be exciting, but before you let your little ones open up the box and pull out the goods, check for hazardous materials. If small pieces break off toys, they can become a choking hazard. Be especially careful of batteries. More than 3,500 people visit poison centers annually because they have ingested button batteries, which can be found in many toys.
Before you give sharks a bad rap, consider how these seasonal items and activities may pose a greater risk to you or your family. Make sure you stay safe – in and out of the holiday waters.