Holiday Safety

The holiday season is in full swing, and families and friends are getting into the holiday spirit. Between Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Christmas, and New Year’s, it can be a bit chaotic mixing festivities and daily obligations together. With all this hustle and bustle of the season, it’s easy to be distracted from the safety measures that should be taken this time of year. It might be shocking but during the holiday season, there is a spike in injuries and sicknesses within the public. Find out some things you can do to protect yourself and your family this season.

Health 

It can be hard to focus on maintaining our health when there is so much going on externally. It’s important to remember fall and winter are peak seasons of flu and colds. It’s key to always be conscious of the well-being of your health but especially in these winter months. Not only does the weather influence our bodies, but the spirit of the season calls for large gatherings of family and friends. As we know, for the past year and a half COVID-19 has been at the forefront of health issues around the world. Now that families can be together again, it’s crucial to wash your hands frequently and wear a mask if needed. If you’re experiencing symptoms of any cold or flu, stay home and recharge to benefit yourself and others around you.

Food poisoning is another health concern that is on the rise during the holiday season. A token associated with the holidays is the feasts enjoyed with families and friends. Under-cooked items that contain meat, dairy, or eggs can leave a sour taste in your mouth. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “1 and 6 Americans get sick from food poising each year and 3,000 die”. This can be more serious for children under 5 with weakened immune systems. Some safety tips recommended in the kitchen this holiday season are as stated below.

Food safety precautions:

• Keep the cooking space clean and disinfected.
• Keep food separated/use separate serving utensils.
• Do not eat raw batter.
• Cook food thoroughly. Verify inside temperature.
• Store food within 2 hours of cooking at 40 degrees or below to stop bacteria growth.

Holiday Décor Safety 

How could beautiful holiday decorations be dangerous? I know, it seems dramatic, but you might be surprised by all the personal injuries that occur because of decorating for the holidays. Unfortunately, emergency rooms see countless patients with holiday-related injuries. When decorating this holiday season keep safety in mind. If you are hanging lights, never use nails or tacks that can stress or damage the electrical cords. This stress can cause sparks that can become a fire hazard. This goes for string lights placed indoors or outside. Also, if you are decking out the front of your house with lights, make sure the wires are away from the ground to ensure no water from rain or snow becomes a hazard. In general, when it comes to lights anywhere in or around your home, keep them off when you are not around. This lessens the risk of something happening when no one is there to diffuse the situation.

When it comes to the natural decorations, there are still safety concerns that you must look out for. Even though there are no electrical ties to a tree or a holiday plant, there is power in these natural elements. Poisonous plants like mistletoe, Holly Berries, and Jerusalem Cherry, are a few plants that contain toxins that can be harmful if a high quantity is ingested. Keep these holiday plants at a safe distance from children and animals. Depending on your preference, you might be a fake tree or a real tree lover. Both are beautiful but as far as safety is concerned, it’s recommended to use a synthetic nonflammable tree that can be reused every year. If you are a fresh pine tree person, it’s recommended to cut off a few inches of the trunk for better water absorption. To keep a real tree safe, you must keep it hydrated at all times. Remember to regularly water your tree and throw it out as soon as it becomes dry, as a dry tree is a highly flammable one. 

Vehicle Safety

Vehicle accidents are also at an all-time high during the holiday season. This can be credited to the weather conditions and operation of a vehicle under the influence.  

As snow and rainfall, take precautions to keep yourself safe while driving. If you are able, investing in winter tires can significantly improve traction to the road lowering the chances of accidents from slippery roads. Regardless, everyone should remember to take it slow this time of year. If the weather conditions are severe, it’s best to remain indoors and avoid operating your vehicle until weather permits.

Toasts of a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year are a national tradition during these special holidays. There are spikes in vehicle accident reports and DUI’s during the holiday seasons specifically. We’re all human and we all want to have a good time, but we want the good times to carry on, not be stopped by a major accident or a federal charge. It’s so important to plan ahead of time this season and drive sober too and from all holiday festivities. If you find yourself in a situation where you don’t have a ride home and you are under the influence of alcohol do not drive. Utilize Rob Levine & Associates Safe Ride App. On the eve’s of Christmas and New Year’s, Rob Levine & Associates is offering a free ride home for locals in Providence, RI! Download the Safe Ride app or call (401) 424 5238 to get a free ride between 12pm- 2:30am on 12/24 and 12/31. As a Personal Injury attorney, Rob Levine sees this need during the holidays and wants to make sure the community is safe on high-risk nights this holiday season.

If you or someone you know has been a victim to a personal injury like a slip and fall, or a vehicle accident during the holiday season contact Rob Levine & Associates for a case evaluation. Assistance is available 24/7 with no fees until your case is resolved. Stay safe and enjoy the holidays!