5 Holiday Safety Tips to Keep You and Your Loved Ones Injury-Free

The holidays are a joyous time, and while there is much fun to be had, there are also safety concerns. Traffic increases during the holidays as people travel, shop, and attend parties. It is important to take safety precautions to keep you and your loved ones safe this season, so our Florida Injury Lawyers have compiled a list of 5 safety tips to keep in mind as you are out and about celebrating.

1. Drive Responsibly

Congested roads with people rushing to get where they need to go can be a recipe for disaster. Please try to remember to: 

• Give yourself extra time to get to your destination. Plan for bad weather and increased traffic. 
• Avoid distractions while driving—put down your cell phone and avoid letting festive coffee or Christmas tunes divert your attention from the road.
• Never drink and drive – this includes no drugged driving as well. Use a rideshare or designated driver to get home safely if you drink.

2. Stay Alert When Shopping

Holiday shopping carries its own set of risks, so remember to: 

• Exercise caution in parking lots – many people are backing out of spots, so pay attention when walking so that you are not hit. 
• Keep your eyes peeled for any dangers at stores, such as spills or clustered areas that could be slip-and-fall or trip-and-fall hazards. 
• Keep your personal belongings close to you. You do not want to have your wallet, car keys, shopping bags, or anything else stolen. 

3. Host Holiday Gatherings Responsibly

If you are hosting a holiday party or just having a family gathering, then you must take extra steps to keep your guests safe, including: 

• Keeping entryways free of any clutter that could be a tripping hazard. 
• Having plenty of lighting outside your home, so that guests can see in the dark. 
• Monitoring how much alcohol you are serving and make sure everyone has a safe ride home. 

4. Decorate Safely

Holiday decorations really make the season festive but they can also be dangerous, so make sure you are not careless with your setup and take down. 

• Inspect electrical lights and decorations for frayed wires or faulty connections before you plug them in. 
• Use a sturdy ladder to hang any lights and décor, and make sure you have someone who can hold the ladder and spot you if you slip and fall. 
• Do not overload your outlets, as this can cause an electrical fire. 
• Make sure your Christmas tree is secured correctly. Having a stable base for your tree can prevent unnecessary trip and fall incidents, especially if you have young children or pets at home. 

5. Be Safe in the Kitchen 

Cooking for family and friends is a huge part of the holiday season, but when there is a lot going on and things are forgotten, kitchen accidents can easily happen. 

• Use timers to make sure you do not forget about food on the stove, grill, air fryer, or in the oven. 
• Be careful if kids and pets are present. Make sure all sharp knives are kept out of reach, and that they are not getting too close to any hot surfaces. 
• Make sure your smoke alarms are working – you can do this by pushing the test button. 
• Be careful with pot handles. It is best to turn handles towards the back of the stove to prevent someone from bumping them and causing a hot liquid spill. 
• Wash your hands frequently. You do not want to be the reason friends and family get sick. 

Whittel & Melton Are Here to Help this Holiday Season 

Accidents can still happen despite our best efforts to prevent them. If you or someone you love is injured this holiday season due to someone else’s carelessness, we are available 24/7 to help. Call us today at 866-608-5529 or contact us online for a free consultation.