Avoid Common Home Accidents During The Holiday Season

Insurance Neighbor • November 16, 2020

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Person on a ladder painting a house exterior under a blue sky

Decorating Fall Accidents

  • Use a sturdy, dependable ladder on a level surface.
  • Make sure step ladders are fully opened and locked.
  • Move the ladder instead of overreaching.
  • Place the bottom of the ladder one foot from the wall for every four feet in height.
  • Have another person standing by to assist you while stringing lights and exterior ornaments.

Fires During the Holiday Season

  • Make sure to follow all proper safety precautions if you choose to deep-fry your Thanksgiving turkey.
  • Check for freshness when buying a live Christmas tree. The tree should be green, and the bottom should be sticky with resin. When tapped on the ground, the tree should not lose many needles. The needles should be difficult to pull from the branches and should not break when you bend them between your fingers.
  • Place your Christmas tree away from heat sources.
  • Make sure the tree is supplied with water at all times.
  • Look for the “Fire Resistant” label when buying an artificial tree.
  • Keep candles on a stable, heat-resistant surface, well away from flammable items.
  • Keep all burning candles in sight. If you are leaving the room, extinguish candles first. Flameless LED candles are far safer. If you enjoy candle scent, you have alternatives to candles.
  • Use only lights that have been safety tested by a nationally-recognized lab.
  • Check each set of lights for frayed wires, loose connections, and cracked or broken sockets. Discard any damaged sets.

Slip and Fall Accidents

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