The holiday season brings an increase in social activities and travel between late November and mid-January. As the weather grows colder in Indiana, travel conditions can change rapidly. Snow and ice can contribute to a rise in slip-and-fall accidents, while holiday gatherings and traditions can bring their own safety hazards.
In this article, we’re sharing top holiday safety tips from the National Safety Council to help you and your loved ones enjoy the season.
Holiday Travel
Injury Facts reports that hundreds of Americans die each year in crashes on New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. About one third of these fatalities involve alcohol impairment. These are also high traffic days as people rush to attend multiple gatherings. Uncertain weather conditions can play a role in the increase in auto accidents during this time.
If you’re traveling by car this holiday season, make sure your vehicle is in good working condition and prepared for winter weather. Keep an emergency kit with you and get plenty of sleep before departing. Leave early to allow extra time for heavy traffic. Avoid distractions while driving and drive defensively. Designate a sober driver if you’re attending an event with alcohol.
Holiday Fire Safety
An increase in the use of candles and fireplaces alongside combustible seasonal decorations means there’s a higher risk for fire in winter months. On average, candles cause 46% of fires annually in December, according to the National Fire Protection Association.
Use flameless candles near flammable objects. If you plan to use candles with flames, keep them in places where they won’t be knocked down or blown over. Candles should be out of reach of children; keep matches and lighters up high and in a locked cabinet.
Don’t burn trees, wreaths, or wrapping paper in the fireplace. Check and clean the chimney and fireplace at least once annually. Use a screen on the fireplace when a fire is burning. Don’t leave candles or the fireplace unattended while you are out of the room or asleep.
Avoid Holiday Food Poisoning
No one wants to bring food poisoning home for the holidays! The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offers holiday food safety tips to help keep your celebrations joyful:
- Refrigerate hot or cold leftover food within two hours of serving it.
- Leftovers are typically safe for 3-4 days when refrigerated properly.
- Keep raw meat away from fresh produce. Use separate cutting boards, plates, and utensils for uncooked and cooked meats.
- Wash hands often when preparing and handling food.
- Make sure meat is cooked to a safe temperature by verifying with a food thermometer.
A little preparation can prevent food poisoning this holiday season.
Decorating Safely
There are thousands of holiday decorating injuries each year. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends these tips to prevent holiday decorating injuries:
- Don’t place breakable ornaments or those with small, detachable parts on lower tree branches where small children can reach them.
- Only use lights where they are recommended by the manufacturer – indoor lights indoors, outdoor lights outdoors. Choose the right ladder for the task when hanging lights. Replace light sets that have broken or cracked sockets, loose connections, or frayed/bare wires. Follow manufacturer directions on the number of light sets that can be plugged into one socket.
- Check that your artificial tree is labeled “fire resistant.” For live trees, cut off about 2 inches of the trunk to expose fresh wood for better water absorption. Remember to water the live tree and take it out of your home when it is dry. Where artificial or live, your tree should be placed at least three feet away from fireplaces, radiators, and other heat sources. Be sure not to block doorways.
- Keep potentially poisonous plants away from children and pets. This includes mistletoe, holly berries, amaryllis, and Jerusalem cherry.
Don’t nail, tack, or otherwise stress wiring when hanging lights. Keep plugs off the ground and away from puddles and snow. Make sure to turn off all lights and decorations when you go to bed or leave the house.
Stay safe and enjoy this holiday season!
If you or a loved one has been injured, contact the Schuerman Law office today. Schuerman Law has been working with personal injury claims for over 40 years. John Schuerman will compassionately advocate for injured individuals as well as their families while fighting for full compensation of their claims. Schuerman Law offers evening and weekend appointments in addition to home and hospital visits. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 1-800-274-0045.
