While the holidays are first and foremost a time for friends, family, and celebration, they also bring their own set of accident hazards. If you’ve ever seen the movie “Christmas Vacation,” then you know what we’re talking about.
In all seriousness though, accidents often increase this time of year due to high amounts of decorating, the potential for dangerous winter weather, and the overall hustle and bustle of the season. With all of these factors, it’s easy to see why accidents are more common during the holidays.
Luckily, with a few precautions, you can lessen the chance of being involved in a serious accident this holiday season.
1. Stay aware of your surroundings while decorating.
The first step to avoiding an accident is to watch your surroundings. When decorating your home, make sure all areas are free of debris, damage, or ice before beginning. And don’t forget proper ladder safety! This will help prevent serious falls.
2. Check your decorations.
Most decorations require some sort of electricity, and this brings its own set of hazards. Christmas lights can become damaged over the years, so it’s important to check for frayed wires or broken plugs and to use extension cords designed for outside wear and tear. Remember to never handle electrical wires that have become wet from rain or snow.
3. Remember that decorations are a fire hazard.
Some electric lights, especially older ones, can get very hot with constant use. Combine this with a dry Christmas tree, and you could have a house fire on your hands. To avoid this, it’s recommended that you use LED lights that use less heat or check your lights regularly to make sure they aren’t too warm.
4. Water your tree.
If your family opts for a real Christmas tree, make sure that it doesn’t go neglected. Check your tree daily to make sure that its water level does not dip below the trunk’s cut-off mark. You can also check your tree by looking at the needles for signs of dryness.
If you’ve found yourself injured due to another person’s negligence – whether it’s the holiday season or not – contact our Tampa personal injury attorneys for a free consultation.
From all of us at Lorenzo & Lorenzo, we wish you and your family a safe and wonderful holiday!
