Safety officials: Increase of falls, electrical fires and car crashes over the holidays

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) - About 30,000 people across the United States are hurt from falling during the holidays, according to Wilmington Safety School expert Clint Carmichael.

During a workshop Wednesday at New Hanover County's Northwest Regional Library, he explained they are mainly falls from ladders.

He said people make the mistake of setting ladders up the wrong distance from their home to hang decorations, they climb too high and/or reach too far when they are on the ladders.

Carmichael said they also see more electrical fires over the holidays from people plugging too much into one outlet.

Carmichael said if you trip your circuit or the cords feel warm when you move them, you probably have to much plugged in.

With more people traveling he said there are also more crashes and you should make sure to inspect your car before hitting the road on a long trip.

"People just they are used to driving their car everyday so they overlook tires, windshield wipers, headlights, those are the things that really get people injured over the holidays," Carmichael said. "Just be aware that injures do occur more during this time than any other."

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