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5 surprising safety lessons from ‘It's a Wonderful Life'

It may be a beloved classic movie, but "It's a Wonderful Life" also shows what can go wrong over the holidays.

It's a Wonderful LifeLook closely, and you′ll see the movie contains potential hazards to its characters' safety and well-being. It's no wonder George Bailey needs a guardian angel.

Follow these five tips to make sure your holidays are happy and safe.

1. Parties, presents, and expectations of perfection can take its toll.

As George Bailey discovers, holidays can be stressful. Remember to take care of your mental and emotional health-and get help when you need it. Learn more at saif.com/relax.

2. Choose the right ladder for the job. Never use a chair.

Peter Bailey could have a nasty fall if he slips off that chair. If you're decorating a tree or putting up holiday lights, stay safe by using a ladder. Keep cords out of the way so you don't trip over them, and make sure your tree is well-watered and doesn't become a fire hazard. Learn more at saif.com/ladders.

3. Injuries happen when you're distracted.

George and Mary don't notice the dance floor open to a swimming pool, showing how easy it is to fall for distracted walking, driving ... or dancing. Learn more at saif.com/falls.

4. Slow down for snow and ice. 

Winter weather transforms everyday scenes into a beautiful snow globe. But George finds out the hard way that snowy roads can create hazardous driving conditions. Learn more at saif.com/drivesafely.

5. No one wants the gift of germs.

Little Zuzu Bailey has a fever, so George wisely tucks her up in bed to recover. If you're sick, stay home. Learn more at saif.com/flu.

Learn more from the Bailey family here

About SAIF 

SAIF is Oregon's not-for-profit workers' compensation insurance company. For more than 100 years, we've been taking care of injured workers, helping people get back to work, and striving to make Oregon the safest and healthiest place to work. For more information, visit the  About SAIF page on saif.com.