Decorating the house, buying the Christmas tree, singing, and dancing, and off to grandmother’s house are things that traditionally make the holiday season joyous and festive. Unfortunately, the holiday season is often fraught with accidents that disrupt the festivities. At Springer & Lyle, we have some safety tips that may help you avoid those trips to the emergency room.
Safety Tips for the Holidays
Holiday injuries range from minor cuts and scrapes that need a simple cleaning and a band-aid to death by electrocution or fires when stringing Christmas lights. Some of the most common injuries are:
- Car accidents. The number of car accidents increases during the Christmas holiday season. Be patient and expect the roads to be congested as people go Christmas and grocery shopping. Preparing for the holidays can be exhausting, but do not drive when you are tired. Statistics show that fatigued drivers are three times more likely to get in an accident than those who are rested.
- Falls off ladders or stools. Be careful and have someone help stabilize the ladder before you climb up. Make sure the ladder is tall enough for the project you are working on. Stretching your arms up when you are on the top rung of the ladder increases your chances of falling off.
- Falls in general. Watch for debris on the floor in the house, outside, or in a store. People leave wrapping paper or Christmas lights on the floor when decorating. Tree branches fall on the ground.
- Fires. Remember that Christmas trees are highly flammable. Fires can start from defective Christmas lights strung on the tree or house. Make sure there are no exposed wires on the Christmas light strand. Keep any lit candles far from the tree. Be sure you properly tend to fires in the fireplace and keep flammable decorations far enough away so they cannot be lit by a stray spark from the fire.
- Power tools. You may be using power tools during the holidays. You may need a chainsaw to cut down your Christmas tree or to trim its limbs. You may need a drill or screwdriver to put together Christmas presents. Be sure you plug it in correctly and use all safety precautions such as protective eyewear and be sure the power cord is not worn, or wires exposed.
Contact Springer & Lyle if You Are Injured in a Holiday Accident
The personal injury attorneys at Springer & Lyle can help you evaluate serious injury claims that may be the fault of someone else. Contact us at 940.387.0404 for a free consultation.
