PKSD Newsletter: Enjoy a Safe and Sweet Holiday Season

As the holiday season approaches, everyone looks forward to spending time with friends and family and enjoying all the festivities. Before you plug in those holiday lights or host a Christmas party, however, PKSD has some important tips and reminders to help keep you and your loved ones safe.

This month’s PKSD newsletter provides ways to add festivity to your home while being mindful of safety precautions that can help to prevent injuries to yourself and others.

Holiday Fire Hazards to Avoid

• Christmas trees – Christmas tree fires around the holidays happen far too frequently. You can help prevent the risk of a Christmas tree fire by choosing your tree carefully. If you prefer to use an artificial tree, make sure it is fire-resistant. You can find this out by checking the label or contacting the manufacturer. If your artificial tree is older, however, even fire-resistant models could become a fire hazard. For families who prefer to have a live tree, make sure that the tree you select is fresh. To check a tree you are looking at, try pulling at the needles. On a fresh tree, they will not release from the branch easily. Also, dried-out branches and needles will snap easily. A fresh tree will also have sticky resin on the bottom where it was cut. Once you get your live tree home, be sure to keep it watered so it does not dry out.
• Candlelight – If you use electric candles, make sure that the cords are not worn in any place. If they are battery-powered, make sure the batteries are fresh and not old or leaking. If you use live candles, do not leave them burning unattended or near small children. Also, make sure they are placed on a surface that is heat resistant. Be sure to always blow them out before going out or heading to bed.
• Decorative lights – Who can resist the sparkle of holiday lights? While definitely to be enjoyed, it is important to test your light strings each year before putting them up. If you have old or worn cords or light strings with faulty connections, you can easily improve your holiday safety by throwing them out and replacing them with new ones.
• Be mindful of fireplaces– If you have a fireplace or a wood stove, be sure to keep your decorations, wrapping paper, furniture and other potential fire hazards at least three feet away. If you use a live fireplace, it is also a good idea to make sure the flue is cleared and recently cleaned.

Holiday Safety and Fall Risks

Take precautions against common falls by making sure your ladder is stable before climbing up it. It is also a good idea to have someone holding the ladder to act as a spotter and ensure your ladder remains stable. Additionally, follow good safety guidelines and never climb on the top rung of a ladder.

Be sure to keep your walkways clear of snow and ice. Not only do you want to keep from falling and injuring yourself, but you also want to avoid the risk of causing harm to other guests and passersby.

Food Safety During the Holidays

Keeping up with food safety is important during the holidays and year-round. If you prepare raw meat on your counters, for instance, you should immediately wash your hands and disinfect the food prep area and your sink. Bacteria from raw meat can spread on your hands, utensils, and even to other food. This bacteria can make people really sick.

Do not prepare any fresh vegetables, fruit and other foods on the same surface where you prepared raw meat. Clean and disinfect that area first.

Finally, be sure to fully cook any raw foods and keep any perishable food items chilled.

Holiday Safety and Alcohol

If you are someone who loves to host a holiday party, be sure to keep the safety of your guests in mind. Serve alcohol earlier in the evening and switch to non-alcoholic beverages later in the evening to help ensure your guests get home safely. If one or more of your guests seem unsafe to drive, call them a rideshare or invite them to stay over and sleep it off.

Need Legal Help During the Holidays? Contact PKSD

At PSKD, we are deeply committed to helping ensure holiday safety throughout our community. If you are injured because of the negligence of others, contact our law offices to discuss your situation. You should not be responsible for damages caused by someone else’s careless or negligent actions.

We have extensive experience and a history of proven results. Our personal injury lawyers in Milwaukee have the resources and staff to help the injured throughout Wisconsin. Call our law offices anytime, night or day. A member of staff is always available to take your call. Your initial consultation is completely free, and if we represent you, there are no upfront costs.

Call Our Trusted Law Firm for Legal Help. (877) 877-2228