Christmas Tree Safety and Personal Injury During the Holidays

This Christmas Season, Avoid Personal Injury with Some Safety Tips from Strom Law

The holidays are a hectic time of year for many people. Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, calendars are full of shopping, vacation planning, family gatherings, and decorating. Few people stop to consider personal injury and safety during this time of year.

However, it is important to keep some things in mind when decorating for the Christmas season. For example, many people string up lights and light candles during the holidays. When candles are lit, it is important to stay in the same room with the burning candles in order to keep an eye on them. Candles can melt down quickly and wax can catch fire.

Holiday lights are another frequent personal injury concern. Strings of lights are rated for either indoor or outdoor use. When hanging lights on banisters and railings, make sure to follow the safety directions written on the packaging. Do not use indoor-only lights outside, and make sure that lights have been tested and approved by an independent safety lab – the certification will be on the box.

Also, check older lights for broken bulbs, bare wires, or loose bulb connections. Additionally, it might be time to have an electrician check in on the wiring of your house, especially if you live in an older home. Many fires during the Christmas season are started because electrical wiring becomes overtaxed.

Christmas Tree Safety, and Personal Injuries During the Holidays

The centerpiece of many homes this time of year is a Christmas tree. Although more and more people are purchasing artificial Christmas trees, a significant number of families still buy real trees. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 240 house fires every year, on average, begin with the Christmas tree. These house fires result in personal injury, nearly $17 million in property damage, and even death.

Artificial trees are much safer, overall – they are lighter, they do not dry out, and many are even rated to withstand a certain amount of heat from lights or other decorations. However, if you insist on purchasing a live tree, here are a few safety tips to keep in mind:

·         Fresh, healthy trees are green and do not drop needles. If the tree you pick is starting to brown, it will dry out very quickly, which can create a greater fire hazard

·         Keep live trees in a tree stand that holds at least a gallon of water; be sure to check the water level every day and refill as often as necessary

·         Make sure the tree – whether real or artificial – is at least three feet away from the nearest heat source (heating vents, fire places, candles, etc)

·         Do not place trees in areas that block exits

·         When your live tree begins dropping needles, get rid of it. Leave the tree outdoors until you are ready to decorate it.

·         Use miniature string lights that have cool-burning bulbs. Never put damaged light strings, or candles, on you Christmas tree, whether real or artificial.

·         Be sure to turn off all lights, including Christmas lights on trees, before going to bed. Never leave your tree lights on unmonitored.

·         Check your fire alarm, and replace the battery if necessary. Make sure to have a fire extinguisher within reach of your Christmas tree or other holiday lights, and make sure to have a working carbon monoxide detector in your home.

The Strom Law Firm Wishes You Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas

The personal injury attorneys at the Strom Law Firm want to help those in need, and personal injury litigation against manufacturers of defective products can help prevent further harm to other consumers. However, it is equally important to practice safety in your home, and ensure you use products correctly. Our attorneys wish you a safe, personal injury free, holiday season, a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year. If you need to discuss a personal injury case, we offer free consultations. 803.252.4800.