The holiday season calls for gift giving, family get-togethers and festive decorations. With all the fun going on, it’s easy to let the Christmas spirit distract you from all the potential safety hazards that are sure to put a damper on your celebrations. Here are a few tips to keep you and your family safe this season:
Buy safe toys. If you are buying gifts for small children, choose age-appropriate toys and look for labels with safety advice. Avoid toys with small parts, sharp edges, and battery-powered devices that could overheat. When purchasing sports-related items such as bikes or skateboards, make sure to include helmets and kneepads, or any other kind of protective gear.
Use LED lights when decorating. LED lights are much cooler than incandescent bulbs and less likely to cause a fire. They also use seventy-five percent less energy and last twenty-five times longer, which translates to energy and cost savings. Never connect more than three strands of mini light sets, or more than 50 bulbs for screw in light sets. Also, make sure to turn the lights off when you go to sleep or any time you leave the house unattended.
If you’re lighting candles, make sure to be cautious. 2 out of 5 house fires are sparked by unattended candles. Keep candles at least twelve inches away from anything that burns, and never leave the house without blowing out all the candles.
Buy a real tree. Freshly cut trees are less likely to catch fire, plus they smell great. Although live Christmas tree fires are not common, they can cause serious damage. Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source and get rid of the tree before it gets too dry–the drier it is, the more likely it will catch fire.
Make sure to test your smoke alarms before decorating to make sure they work and be sure to install smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms on every level of your home, especially near sleeping areas.
By following these simple guidelines, you can help make this a happy, hazard-free holiday season.
In the unlucky event that a disaster would occur, you homeowner’s insurance policy may provide for relief. Unfortunately, insurance companies are sometimes quick to deny claims in bad faith. If this happens to you, contact one of our insurance dispute attorneys for a free consultation.
Attorney Timothy Manchin established the Manchin Injury Law Group in 2011 after his law partner of more than 25 years became a West Virginia circuit court judge. His focus is on helping individual clients and entire families victimized by negligent acts.
We offer a free initial consultation at our office in the Manchin Professional Building — our home since 1983 — conveniently located in Fairmont.
If you are unable to visit our firm, we can come to your home or hospital room.
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