The holidays are a time of happiness, when many people are able to spend more time with friends and family than they are during the rest of the year. However, the holidays can also be dangerous, and there is risk of personal injury occurring if a person isn’t careful.
Recently, CNN featured several safety tips in regards to holiday decorating that also double as money saving practices as well. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the average home in America uses six times more electricity than a home did just 20 years ago. Lighting amounts for about 10 percent of your electric bill, which is sure to increase during the Christmas season with the addition of outdoor and indoor lights. Put your lights on a timer so you don’t need to worry about turning your lights off when you leave the house or go to bed, saving on costs. Timing your lights can also prevent fires from occurring.
The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) reports that about 250 fires start with a Christmas tree, and another 170 fires start with decorative lights every year. You should also think about buying LED lights, which use just 10 percent of the energy that regular lights use. They are also cool to the touch, which is important if small children or pets will be around.
You should also consider purchasing a fake Christmas tree, which is definitely a cheaper option as it lasts longer. Artificial trees are now made of non-flammable materials, further reducing your risk of a fire and consequential burn injuries occurring.
Be very careful when hanging holiday decorations and lights. The ESFI reports that about 5,800 people need to be treated in emergency rooms every year because of falls that are related to holiday decorating. Invest in a small step ladder to prevent accidents from occurring while you decorate.
Also, try using battery-operated candles instead of regular ones to reduce the chance of a fire. According to the ESFI, candles cause over 15,000 home fires annually. Battery-operated candles will also last longer, which is a good cost-saving measure.
If you do happen to suffer a personal injury this holiday season and believe it was because of another person’s negligence or a businesses’ negligence, the Arizona personal injury attorneys at The Breyer Law Offices P.C. can help. We offer free consultations. Call us today at 480-753-4534 to learn about your legal rights and options in pursuing a personal injury lawsuit in Arizona.
