The holidays are exciting, but accidents, injuries, or illness can hinder the festivities. Follow our holiday safety tips to keep yourself and your loved ones secure while celebrating.
Traffic Safety
Whether going out of town to visit loved ones or dealing with increased traffic on local roads, following a few holiday travel safety tips is crucial. Here are five ways to make sure your holiday driving goes smoothly:
- Obey all speed limits and traffic laws;
- Leave ample room between you and other vehicles;
- Make sure all vehicle occupants wear their seatbelts;
- Never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol; and
- Ensure your vehicle is in good working order before going on a trip.
Even if you take all the proper precautions, accidents may still happen. If you’re involved in a traffic accident, call the appropriate authorities and wait in a safe place away from the road for them to arrive.
Were you injured in an accident? Contact our California personal injury attorneys for a free case review today.
Fire Safety
Traffic isn’t the only factor to consider during the festive season. Read on to explore our top fire safety tips for the holidays:
- Don’t overload electrical outlets;
- Check your smoke detector batteries;
- Never leave food unattended while it cooks;
- Don’t throw wrapping paper into a fireplace (it can cause a flash fire);
- Never leave candles, fireplaces, or any other fire burning unattended;
- Choose a fire-resistant artificial Christmas tree or water natural trees regularly and
- Only use lights in accordance with instructions—use outdoor lights outside and indoor lights inside.
House fires can be especially devastating during the holiday season. Follow the above tips to help protect your home and family while keeping your spirits bright.
Food Safety
For many of us, eating is one of the main highlights of any holiday. Here are a few ways to ensure your family and friends remain safe while enjoying a much-anticipated holiday feast:
- Be cautious of any food allergies.
- Don’t leave leftovers sitting out of the refrigerator.
- Try to avoid overindulging on too much food or alcohol.
- Cook meat until it reaches the required internal temperature. Tip: use a meat thermometer.
- Use cookware in accordance with instructions. For example, turkey deep-fryers should always be used outside.
From Diwali sweets to Thanksgiving turkey, great food can make your festivities more memorable. However, foodborne illness and other accidents can significantly damper the celebrations (and even send you to the hospital). Take these simple precautions so you and your loved ones can eat, drink, and be merry.
Miscellaneous Safety Tips
Follow these holiday safety tips to protect yourself and loved ones from break-ins, ladder injuries, and more.
- Be mindful of safety when giving gifts;
- Keep holiday plants away from pets and children;
- Don’t broadcast your travel plans via social media;
- Be careful when putting up decorations, especially if climbing a ladder and
- Ensure all your insurance policies are in good standing (auto, homeowners, umbrella, etc.).
When it comes to gift giving, pay attention to the age range on the labels for children’s toys. And, when you’re hanging those lights, remember always to have someone hold the ladder for you.
Final Thoughts
The holidays are a magical time of year. Follow the tips above to keep yourself and your loved ones safe while celebrating.
We wish you a very happy, healthy, and safe holiday season from all of us at GJEL.
Andy Gillin received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of California at Berkeley and his law degree from the University of Chicago. He is the managing partner of GJEL Accident Attorneys and has written and lectured in the field of plaintiffs’ personal injury law for numerous organizations. Andy is a highly recognized wrongful death lawyer in California.