Safety Tips for the Holiday Season and Beyond

The most festive time of the year can also be one of the most dangerous. On top of a Michigan winter, the weeks around the holidays add extra hazards on the road and at home.

Accidents still happen. These holiday safety tips, drawn from the CPSC, National Safety Council, USDA FSIS and ESFI, can help you and your family get through the season in one piece.

If you or a loved one is injured, our Michigan car accident and slip and fall lawyers can help you understand your options.

HOLIDAY SAFETY TIPS TO PREVENT IN-HOME ACCIDENTS

Many people treat winter driving as the biggest cold-weather risk. The National Safety Council still counts more medically consulted injuries in and around the home than in motor-vehicle crashes. These steps can cut a lot of the holiday mishaps.

REDUCE THE RISK OF RESIDENTIAL FIRES

• Put working smoke alarms on every floor, inside each bedroom and outside sleeping areas. Test them monthly.
• Cooking is the leading cause of home fires (about half of reported U.S. home structure fires). Keep a working extinguisher within reach of the stove.
• Do not overload outlets with adapters or power strips.
• Use extension cords sparingly and unplug them when you are done.
• Put out candles and make sure the fireplace is fully out before you leave or go to bed.
• Check holiday lights and throw out strands with frayed cords or damaged sockets.
• Hang stockings somewhere other than an active fireplace.
• Water a live Christmas tree and take it outside once the needles brown. Do not store a dead tree in the basement or garage.
• Keep space heaters at least three feet from curtains, trees and other flammables. Turn them off before bed or when you leave.

AVOIDING DECORATING DANGERS

• Use a ladder or stepstool. Do not stand on chairs or furniture.
• Keep decorations at least three feet from fireplaces, candles and other heat sources.
• Do not run cords under rugs or furniture, out of windows or across walkways and driveways.
• Choose an artificial tree labeled fire resistant.
• Keep breakable ornaments out of a young child’s reach.
• Skip decorations made from toxic plants such as mistletoe, holly berries and Jerusalem cherries.

KEEPING CHILDREN SAFE DURING THE HOLIDAYS

• Toys for children under 3 should not have small parts or other choking hazards.
• Keep button batteries and high-powered magnets away from young children. Swallowed batteries and magnets can cause life-threatening injuries.
• For children under 10, skip plug-in toys unless an adult is supervising.
• Give helmets with riding toys such as scooters and bikes.

For toy hazards and recalls, check the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

SAFE FOOD HANDLING

• Keep raw meat, poultry, seafood and eggs away from other foods. Clean counters and cutting boards after they touch those items.
• Use a food thermometer: 145°F for whole cuts of beef, pork, lamb and veal (then rest 3 minutes), 160°F for ground meat and 165°F for poultry.
• Refrigerate perishable food within two hours at room temperature (one hour if it is above 90°F).
• Store leftovers in shallow, covered containers. Eat refrigerated leftovers within three to four days. Frozen leftovers stay safe longer, but quality drops after a few months. Reheat leftovers to 165°F.

HOLIDAY SAFETY TIPS TO PREVENT OUTDOOR ACCIDENTS

Indoor hazards get most of the attention. Outdoor ice, cold and holiday traffic still send people to the ER.

AVOIDING OUTDOOR SAFETY HAZARDS

• Cut slip and fall risk: treat icy walks, wear winter footwear and put the phone away while you walk.
• Limit time outside in freezing weather. Wear gloves or mittens, a hat that covers the ears, thick socks and water-resistant boots.
• Snow shoveling can strain the heart, back and shoulders. Shovel fresh, powdery snow when you can, and stop if you feel pain or exhaustion. The American Heart Association says people with known or suspected heart disease, or major heart-disease risk factors, should let someone else clear the snow.
• Never add fuel to a running snow blower. Wait until the engine is cool. Do not reach into the auger.

TIPS FOR SAFER SHOPPING TRIPS

You can hit post-Christmas sales without putting your safety or wallet at extra risk.

• Holiday sales mean more cars in mall and shopping-center lots. Slow down.
• Park in well-lit areas, whether on the street, in a lot or in a garage.
• Put purchases and valuables in the trunk, not on the seat.
• Keep receipts in your wallet or purse, not in the bag.
• Carry little cash and only the cards you need.
• Check bank and credit-card activity during the season and report anything odd right away.
• Never leave children unattended in a car or store.

PREVENTING AUTO ACCIDENTS

• Do not drive after drinking or using drugs, and do not let others do it.
• Slow down and leave more space in snow, ice and poor visibility.
• Skip distractions: handheld phones are illegal in Michigan under MCL 257.602b. Set the GPS before you move. Do not eat, drink or tend to kids while driving.
• Keep an emergency kit: phone charger, jumper cables, blankets, non-perishable food and water, flares, a flashlight and extra coats and gloves.
• Check the battery, lights and fluids before a longer trip.
• Plan the route and tell someone where you are going and when you should arrive.
• Use the right car seat or booster for each child’s age, height and weight.

CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED ACCIDENT LAWYERS TODAY

Even careful people get hurt during the holidays. If you or a loved one is injured in a Michigan crash, fall or other accident, we can help. Our lawyers have the experience and resources to pursue the compensation you deserve.

Personal injury law is complicated, but finding the right Michigan lawyer is simple.

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