The holidays are among the most joyous times of the year. However, the holidays also come with unique risks and hazards that are not quiet worth celebrating. In 2015 alone, holiday decorations landed an estimated 14,000 patients in emergency rooms across the country. The following are some of the most common holiday decoration accidents and simple ways to prevent them to keep your holidays festive and injury-free.
Candles and Other Lights
Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanza bring to mind beautiful candles and strings of twinkling lights. While these decorations are pretty, they also pose a fire hazard. To enjoy these bright lights safely, keep flames in sight and away from children, pets, and flammable surfaces.
Check plugs and sockets before plugging in electric lights and discard lights with frayed wires or damaged bulbs. Purchase lights that have been approved by a reputable product testing laboratory. Do not forget to turn off all holiday lights when you go to bed or leave the house.
Christmas Trees
Christmas trees are a wonderful holiday tradition. Choosing the perfect tree and hanging cherished family ornaments are what many childhood memories are made of. Real trees require a bit of care to keep them safe. Keep them away from heat sources, including fireplaces, outlets, and candles. Keep live trees hydrated as dry trees can catch fire easily.
Artificial trees are less prone to catching fire. Yet, it is important to choose a tree that is labeled fire-resistant. Real trees are treated with chemicals to repel pests and fake trees are treated with chemicals to resist fires. Keep pets away from trees to prevent them from ingesting these toxic substances. If you have young children, choose ornaments that are not fragile and do not contain small parts. As appealing as they may be, bubble lights can be dangerous when they break, leaking the chemicals they contain.
Outdoor Decorations
For many families, the most holiday fun comes from decorating the home and yard. If you are installing decorations up high, make sure your ladder is sturdy and placed on stable ground. Check the weight limit on your ladder to make sure it will accommodate you and your decorations. Fasten lights securely to prevent wind damage and decorate outdoors in fair weather. Work together with a friend or family member in case you fall, that way someone will be there to help you. Place decorations in easily accessible areas that you can reach safely.
No one wants to mar one of the happiest times of the year with painful injuries. Follow these holiday decorating safety tips for a fun and accident-free holiday season.
Egg Harbor Township Personal Injury Lawyers at the D’Amato Law Firm Help Injured Victims in New Jersey
No one wants to think about unfortunate accidents and injuries, especially during the holidays. If you or a loved one has been hurt due to a defective product or a negligent party, call the experienced Egg Harbor personal injury lawyers at the D’Amato Law Firm. We take a personal approach to your case, spending the time to find out about your situation and explain the legal options available to you after an accident. To schedule a free consultation, call 609-926-3300 or contact us online to get started today.
Located in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, we represent clients throughout the state, including but not limited to Cumberland County, Gloucester County, Burlington County, Salem County, Camden County, Burlington County, and Ocean County.