The holiday season is a time of peace and togetherness. However you celebrate, it’s a time for people to come together, relax, and spend quality time with loved ones. In America, it’s also the busiest time of year; where everyone is out shopping, traveling, and going on vacation.
Because of this, injuries are much more common. To avoid holiday accidents, The Hurt Boss has created this list of the 5 most common holiday accidents and how you can keep yourself and your loved ones safe.
What Holiday Accidents Happen the Most?
Falls while decorating
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), an estimated 5,800 Americans are injured every year in fall related accidents while decorating for the holidays. The same study found that men are more likely than women to suffer from these injuries, and usually involve a ladder.
As you hang your holiday decor this year, keep these tips in mind:
- Ensure ladders are on a level surface.
- Don’t overreach when putting up lights/decorations.
- Put extension cords, lights, & other holiday items out of the way to avoid falls.
- Have a friend or family member spot you when using a ladder.
Holiday fires
Holiday fires are numerous and dangerous, and it’s no surprise that fires are more common this time of year. Christmas lights and holiday candles can start fires that cause injuries, property damage, and even death.
Here are our tips to keep you safe this holiday season:
- Set your tree up away from heat sources like vents & radiators.
- Check your Christmas lights for loose connections & frayed wires.
- Replace outdated lights.
- Burn candles away from children, pets, & flammable materials.
Bad weather car accidents
According to the United States Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Association (FHWA), the majority of automobile accidents happen during rainfall and on wet pavement. This only gets worse during the holiday season as we travel to visit friends and family. And if you live in a cooler climate, driving in the snow can be just as dangerous.
These simple tips can help keep you safe while traveling:
- Stay 20 seconds behind the car in front of you.
- Signal well in advance before changing lanes.
- Avoid sudden braking.
Electrical shock
Electrical shock is far too common during the holiday season, as we hang lights, use new gadgets, and overload power outlets. Electrical currents can cause thermal burns, muscle, nerve, & tissue damage, & in some cases, cardiac arrest.
Here’s what you can do to stay safe:
- Check your power outlets for cracks & other damage.
- Look for frayed or damaged wires, & tears in the protective coating of cords.
- Unplug holiday decorations before leaving your home.
Frying a turkey
Deep frying a turkey can be very dangerous. They have a high risk of tipping over, overheating, & spilling hot oil. All of which can lead to fires, burns, or other injuries. According to the National Park Service, “frying in general is more dangerous than many other types of cooking, since it involves using a large quantity of cooking oil, a combustible substance.”
Here are some tips to keep you safe this Thanksgiving:
- Don’t overfill your fryer.
- Use your fryer outdoors and away from your home.
- Make sure the turkey is completely thawed before placing it in a fryer.
- Use oven mitts & other protective material.
- Have a fire extinguisher on hand.
Call The Hurt Boss
If you or a loved one is injured this holiday season due to someone else’s negligence, The Hurt Boss will get you the compensation you deserve. Our attorneys fight for our clients like they’re family. With over 20 years of experience, you can trust that your case is in good hands.
For a free consultation, call us at 678-806-7715, visit our website, or click the ‘Live Chat’ icon to speak to a representative.
