Decorating for the holiday season should be fun and memorable. While that’s how holiday decorating unfolds for the majority of families this time of year, some people suffer serious personal injuries from trees, lights, and decorations. In fact, roughly 16,000 people in the U.S. go to the hospital to receive treatment for holiday-decor-related injuries every year.
Here’s everything you need to know so you can stay safe in Georgia this holiday season.
Common Holiday Decoration Hazards in Georgia Homes
Holiday decorating injuries occur every year.
These incidents can land you in the emergency room with injuries such as:
- Burns
- Cuts
- Broken bones
- Muscle strains
- Sprains
- Electric shock
The good news is that most of these hazards are preventable. The key is to know what the risks are, understand why they occur, and make safety a priority.
Safety begins with the decorations you buy. For example, if your lights are outdated or your extension cords are frayed, consider buying new ones to minimize the risk of an electrical fire.
Falls While Decorating
Slips and falls are among the top holiday decorating dangers. Climbing a ladder to hang lights or reaching for high tree branches increases the risk of significant injuries. Don’t assume that you have to be in a highly elevated position to suffer harm. Even a fall from a small step stool can lead to a brain injury or a broken bone.
Typical Causes of Fall-Related Injuries
Falls can be linked to:
- An unstable ladder
- Overreaching while placing decor
- Working on a slippery outdoor surface
- Poor lighting during nighttime decorating
Taking extra time to secure your ladder and inspect surfaces reduces the likelihood of serious injuries. If necessary, get someone to spot you and provide extra stability for the ladder.
Electrical Hazards
Holiday lights add some charm to your home. However, if the wiring is damaged or you overload your outlet, the lights can lead to shocks or burns. They can even cause a fire. Defective products can increase the risk of an electrical-related hazard, such as a fire or shock. Be aware of recalls and warnings from the manufacturer.
Fire Risks From Dry Trees and Overheated Decor
Do you prefer to have a live Christmas tree? So do millions of others. If you are going to use a live tree, make sure to keep it watered so it does not dry out prematurely. A small spark can easily ignite a dried-out pine tree.
Tips for Staying Safe While Decorating Your Home
Here are some holiday safety tips from the Consumer Product Safety Commission:
- Make sure your artificial tree is labeled “fire resistant”
- Keep live trees watered so they don’t dry out prematurely
- Never leave candles or flames unattended
- Use flameless candles
- Limit strings of incandescent lights to three strands
Additionally, ensure that your ladder is on a flat, well-lit surface if you’ll be working from an elevated position. Keep your pets and children away from lights or anything fragile. Don’t use worn-out extension cords or overload your outlets.
When Holiday Decoration Injuries Lead to Severe Harm
Decorating for the holiday is meant to be a fun, joyous time when you make memories with your loved ones. Don’t let the risks outlined above deter you from engaging in the festivities. Instead, use these tips to avoid risks and keep everyone safe while you celebrate. A little preparation makes all the difference.
Contact Bowen Painter Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Holiday traditions should bring joy—not unexpected trips to the emergency room. By choosing safe decorations, staying aware of electrical and fire risks, and taking extra precautions when climbing ladders or handling fragile items, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of an accident in your home.
If you or a loved one is injured due to unsafe products, negligent property conditions, or another preventable hazard, you don’t have to navigate the aftermath alone. The team at Bowen Painter Injury Lawyers is here to help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you need to heal. Contact us today for a free consultation and learn how we can support you during this holiday season and beyond. We have a convenient location in Savannah, GA.
We proudly serve Chatham County, Georgia, and its surrounding areas.
Bowen Painter Injury Lawyers
308 Commercial Drive, Suite 100, Savannah, GA 31406
(912) 335-1909
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About The Author
Attorney Andrew Bowen is a founding partner of Bowen Painter Injury Lawyers based in Savannah, GA. He earned his law degree from Mercer University’s Walter F. George School of Law in 1998, after completing his undergraduate studies at Washington and Lee University. Licensed to practice in Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina, Andrew is also admitted to the federal courts in Georgia and South Carolina, the Court of Federal Claims in Washington, D.C., the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, and the U.S. Supreme Court. With over 25 years of legal experience focusing exclusively on personal injury and wrongful death cases since 2001, ranging from medical malpractice and automobile wrecks to commercial truck and motorcycle accidents. Andrew has established himself as a formidable advocate attorney in the Georgia community; his dedication to personally overseeing each case ensures that clients receive individualized attention and aggressive representation. Click here to view some of the exceptional case results Andrew has helped secure on behalf of injured clients.
Location: Savannah, GA
