SSa Urges Home Accident Prevention During Holidays

The Mexican Ministry of Health (SSa) issued eight recommendations to prevent household accidents during the year-end holiday season, warning that incidents tend to increase during December when families spend more time at home and gatherings become more frequent.

According to the SSa, accidents that occur both inside and outside the home are largely preventable. Estrella Albarrán, Acting Director General, Technical Ministry of the National Council for Accident Prevention (STCONAPRA), says that as many as 99% of accidents can be avoided through basic precautions and awareness.

“Incidents occur mainly during the vacation period, when more people are gathered in the same space, often during celebrations at home, and when children are at home all day,” says Albarrán. She adds that greater attention to everyday actions and environmental risks can reduce sudden events that compromise personal safety.

The warning comes as part of a seasonal prevention campaign aimed at reducing injuries, property damage, and emergencies linked to holiday activities. Authorities note that December and early January are associated with changes in household routines, increased use of electrical decorations, cooking for large groups, and the use of heating devices, all of which raise the risk of accidents.

Burns are the most common type of accident during the winter holiday period, affecting both children and adults. Health officials say these injuries are frequently caused by fireworks, candles, oil lamps, and bonfires, as well as scalding accidents in kitchens where hot liquids and food are prepared. STCONAPRA warns that fireworks can cause severe injuries, including amputations or permanent loss of limbs.

Domestic fires rank second among the most frequent accidents during this time of year. These incidents are often linked to electrical overloads, faulty wiring, or improper use of decorative lighting. Falls and poisonings follow, with intoxications commonly caused by inhalation of smoke from heaters or exposure to carbon monoxide from charcoal stoves and braziers used indoors. Authorities also point to accidental injuries from sharp objects and animal bites or stings as recurring risks during the holiday period.

The Ministry of Health says these patterns reflect structural challenges in household safety, including aging electrical installations, limited ventilation in enclosed spaces, and insufficient supervision of children during extended periods at home. Officials stress that prevention measures do not require specialized equipment and can be implemented through routine checks and responsible behavior.

As part of its guidance, the ministry urges households to verify that electrical installations are in good condition before connecting seasonal decorations or appliances. Faulty wiring, damaged outlets, and overloaded sockets are common triggers for short circuits and fires.

For homes that display Christmas trees, authorities recommend using nonflammable materials, placing trees away from curtains and upholstered furniture, and turning off decorative lights before sleeping or leaving the house. The ministry also advises checking that holiday lights are not broken and do not have exposed wires, and to disconnect them when not in use.

The use of candles and open flames was flagged as a high-risk practice. Health officials advised against placing lit candles in nativity scenes or using them as decorative elements. They also recommended avoiding sharp or pointed decorations that could pose a risk to children and adults moving through crowded spaces.

Heating equipment was another area of concern. The ministry advises placing heaters away from curtains, clothing, paper products, plastics and furniture, and warns against placing heating devices directly on household furnishings. Authorities emphasized the importance of ventilation when using heaters to reduce the risk of smoke inhalation or carbon monoxide poisoning.

Kitchen safety was also highlighted, particularly during holiday meals that involve prolonged cooking. Officials recommended keeping children away from stoves and hot surfaces to prevent burns and scalding accidents.

STCONAPRA says that accident prevention during the holiday season is part of a broader public health strategy aimed at reducing avoidable injuries that place pressure on emergency services and hospitals. Health authorities note that many accidents result in temporary or permanent disability, economic losses for families, and increased healthcare costs.

The ministry says prevention campaigns are designed to reinforce a culture of safety at home, particularly during periods of heightened risk. Officials stressed that households play a central role in reducing accidents through planning, supervision, and maintenance of domestic spaces.

While the recommendations focus on the holiday period, authorities say the measures are applicable year-round and contribute to safer living environments beyond seasonal celebrations. The Ministry of Health encourages families to share the guidance with relatives and neighbors as part of a collective effort to reduce preventable injuries.