It’s hard to believe, but Christmas day is nearly upon us, and at Stillman and Friedland, we want to wish everyone a happy and safe holiday season. This is the time of year when there is an increased risk of accidents, both at home and on the road, so we want to remind our readers, clients, and followers once again of important safety tips to be aware of this time of year. Keep reading to learn more about Christmas and Holiday season safety tips and reminders.
Christmas Tree Hazards
A Christmas tree is fraught with potential fire hazards, and there are some safety precautions to keep in mind when your tree is up. The tree, it’s decorative lighting, and external heat sources are potential fire issues. Two general fire takeaways you should keep in mind are:
- Always have a properly functioning fire extinguisher in a handy, nearby location.
- Check all smoke detectors around your home and replace them with new batteries.
Additionally, if you are using a live Christmas tree, ensure it has enough water by checking water levels daily. A dry tree is a dangerous tree and creates a significant fire hazard. If using an artificial tree, make sure it is fire-retardant. You also want to keep trees away from any heat sources, including space heaters, candles, fireplaces, heat vents, and lights.
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Other Christmas Tree safety practices include:
- Don’t overload an outlet with multiple plugs, extension cords, or power strips.
- Ensure electrical cords and wires are not frayed or tangled.
- Use lights on a Christmas tree that are intended for indoor use only.
- Do not attempt to use a string of lights that have broken bulbs or kinked wiring.
- Do not connect more than three strands of lights together.
- Turn off Christmas tree lights when leaving the house, and do not leave the tree on all night while sleeping.
Roadway Dangers
As an additional reminder, an increase in traffic-related accidents is common this time of year. Be sure to drive with caution, particularly when roads are wet, snowy, or icy.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol will be on the lookout for intoxicated, impaired, and distracted drivers throughout the rest of the year. If you have plans during the holidays that involve alcohol, be sure to have a designated driver or use a third-party transportation service such as Uber, Lyft, or a taxi. Also, implement year-round safe driving practices, including avoiding smartphone use and eating or applying makeup while driving.
Conclusion
We hope these Christmas and Holiday season safety tips and reminders were helpful to you. At Stillman and Friedland, we wish you a wonderful holiday season with meaningful connections with family and friends. Enjoy the rest of 2022, and we hope you make fond memories, all while staying safe with your loved ones.
Because we care…
