‘Tis the Season in Rhode Island: Heed These Holiday Safety Tips to Prevent Fire-Related Accidents & Injuries

According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI), more than half of home fire deaths occur during the period of November to March, and a large number of these deaths are caused by holiday decorations like candles and Christmas trees. In fact, fires started by holiday decorations have a tendency to be more deadly than other types of home fires. As personal injury lawyers at Tapalian Law, we know this is a busy time of year for Rhode Islanders, but we hope you find a few moments to consider these holiday safety tips which can go a long way in keeping you and your loved ones safe from injury and accidents this season.

Christmas Trees One of Leading Causes of Holiday Fires

Each year, approximately 210 fires start because of real Christmas trees, making them one of the leading causes of tragic holiday fires. The Christmas Tree Association recommends buyers look for “vibrant green needles that are hard to pluck”. This means the needles are less likely to shed and cause a fire if they come in contact with a fire hazard. One way to prevent the needles from drying out it to keep the tree regularly watered. Don’t put your tree anywhere near a fireplace, candle, or open flame of any kind. When it comes to tree lighting, using a timer is recommended to avoid the bulbs overheating. Better yet, use LED lights as they are less likely to overheat and spark flames.

Fireplace & Candle Safety Tips to Prevent Fire-Related Accidents

There’s nothing more relaxing than sitting by a warm fireplace with a hot chocolate this time of year. But heed a few simple precautions to keep those special memories safe. If you are decorating the fireplace mantle, be sure the garlands or ornaments are tightly secured so they can’t slip and fall into the fireplace catching fire. Don’t overload the mantle with decorations for this purpose and be extra cautious of hanging accoutrements like stockings which can easily fall into the flames and catch on fire.

Install a fireplace screen to prevent young children and pets from getting too close to the fire and risking a burn injury. Even if you don’t have young children of your own, this is the time of year when we often receive visits from friends and neighbors and some of them may be young ones who may easily be mesmerized by fire and get too close. The screen is not only a safety precaution to keep people away from the flames but also an extra measure for little ones who may be learning to walk and are unsteady on their feet, or an elderly relative who may be using a walker or cane. The stone hearth surrounding the fireplace can be a tripping hazard and the young and elderly alike are more prone to slip and fall accidents.

Candles are responsible for almost half of all fires during the holidays, with the majority of these fires igniting in December. If you enjoy the glow of candles, keep them far away from flammable objects like Christmas trees, wrapped gifts, and decorations. Keep multiple candles a good distance away from each other and if you are using a menorah, keep it in the middle of the table or another safe spot away from walls, decorations, and curtains. The same goes for electric candles. Although they do not have an open flame the bulbs can still overheat and catch curtains and other flammable items on fire.

Safe Holiday Cooking

Cooking is a favorite holiday past-time of families, and one enjoyed by a variety of ages. Kitchen safety is important however, so it’s best to keep a multipurpose fire extinguisher (rated A-B-C) in the kitchen at all times, just in case. If a fire extinguisher is not handy, do not try to put out a grease or electrical fire with water. Instead after turning off the burner, try to put out a flame on the stove by putting a pot lid or flat baking sheet on the pot to smother the flames. While cooking, use a timer as a reminder to check on foods to be sure they don’t burn and result in a possible fire. Never leave children unattended in the kitchen. Curious hands can reach for flames causing terrible burn injuries with devastating consequences.

Contact a Providence Personal Injury Lawyer if You Have Been Hurt

The holidays are one of the most beautiful times of year in Rhode Island and we wish everyone a safe and healthy season. If throughout the season, you or a loved one are hurt due to someone else’s negligence, whether it be a slip and fall on another’s property or a reckless driver, you may be eligible to seek compensation. Property owners are expected to maintain their premises with “reasonable care” so that those who are invited or expected to come upon their property are not injured, such as fixing broken steps or shoveling snow and ice. A Providence premises liability attorney like David Tapalian can help you determine if you have a viable premises liability case for your slip and fall accident. Vehicle owners as well, are required to operate their motor vehicle with a “duty of care”. If a driver operates their car or truck in a reckless manner which results in you getting hurt, you may be able to seek compensation for your auto accident injuries. Tapalian Law is a Providence personal injury law firm that has helped countless clients win damages for their losses. Contact us at our South Main Street, Providence, office today at 401-552-5000, or complete our on-line contact form.