Florida Injury Lawyer Blog
Officials with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) have estimated that there were close to 20,000 injuries that involved holiday decorating in E.R. rooms across the country from November through December of 2012. Unfortunately, this is the fourth year in a row that the number of injuries has increased. Each year since 2009, there have been approximately 12,000 or more visits to the E.R. in the U.S. each season. Falling from a ladder and stepping on a broken ornament may be humorous when featured in a holiday film, but these incidents are real-life threats that result in thousands of E.R. visits every year.
Our Fort Myers personal injury attorneys understand that there are roughly 250 such injuries each and every day during the holiday season. When you make your list, and check it twice, you’ll want to make sure that ‘holiday safety’ is listed at the top. Last year, the most common visits to the E.R. resulting from holiday mishaps were because of falls, lacerations and back strains. But we can’t forget about fires. From 2009 to 2011, fire departments across the nation responded to an average of 200 fires each year resulting from Christmas trees. These incidents resulted in 10 fatalities, 20 injuries and more than $15 million in property loss. Candle-related fires were also a top concern throughout the year, resulting in about 70 fatalities, close to 700 injuries and more than $300 million in property loss from 2009 to 2011.
The CPSC offers a few simple safety tips that can help to protect us and our homes during this joyous time of year. Read, review and share the following tips to help to prevent a holiday mishap.
Holiday Safety Tips:
-Make sure that you read all of the warning labels on ladders.
-If you’re purchasing a tree this holiday season, make sure that it’s fresh and green. You don’t want one that has needles that are easily pulled from branches. Make sure that the bottom of the free is fresh and is sticky with resin.
-Make sure your tree is displayed far from heat sources and keep away from doorways and walkways.
-If you’re getting an artificial tree this year, make sure that you get one that’s “fire resistant” and read the warning labels before use.
-Always keep burning holiday candles in sight. Never leave them burning unattended.
-Make sure candles burn on a heat-resistant, stable surface.
-Use lights that have already been tested.
-Use lights as the directions instruct.
-Be cautious when using outdoor lights. Make sure the labels indicate that the lights have been certified for outdoor use. Always plug them into a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)-protected receptacle or a portable GFCI.
We want to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season, and we also want to remind you to be cautious when decorating for this joyous time of the year. Read all manufacture instructions and strategically place decorations away from dangers. Enjoy a beautiful holiday!
Call today if you or your child has been injured in an accident. We offer free and confidential consultation to discuss victim’s rights. Call 1-800-283-2900.
More Blog Entries:
New Guidelines to Protect Sleeping Babies, Florida Injury Lawyer Blog, October 6, 2013
Keeping Our SWFL Bus Stops and School Zones Safe, Florida Injury Lawyer Blog, September 10, 2013
