‘Tis the season of family, food and tradition. During the holidays, the joy can also bring chaos for many families. Each year, we juggle family, friends, events, work, shopping and travel just to name a few. This can potentially lead to dangerous mistakes that could spoil your holiday festivities.

Whatever your plans are this season, there are steps that everyone can take to ensure their safety. Please consider the following general holiday tips from the trusted family lawyers at Hupy and Abraham, S.C.

Decorating Safety Tips. According to the National Fire Protection Association, between 2013 and 2017, U.S. fire departments responded to an average 160 home fires that started with Christmas trees per year. These fires caused an average of three deaths, 15 injuries and $10 million in direct property damage annually. Be smart about the decorations you choose to display. Choose fire-resistant decorations and consider battery-operated LED candles. Do not plug in more than three light strings into one extension cord and unplug lights when you are not home.

Hosting Safety Tips. Clear your sidewalks and porches of ice and snow or items like children’s toys to prevent slips and falls. Clean before guests arrive to make sure hallways and doorways are free of clutter that people may trip over. With so much going on, it is important to know who is supervising the kids and keeping an eye on pets. This time of year, so many things pose a risk. Make sure people do not leave your home after they have been drinking. Give guests the option to stay overnight if they have had too much to drink or make sure a designated driver is available to get them home safely.

Shopping Safety Tips. Even though you are in a hurry and have your mind on a thousand things, stay alert and conscious of what is happening around you. It is helpful to shop in familiar places. Do not leave any of your valuables in plain sight, theft runs rampant this time of year. Park in well-lit areas to avoid you or your vehicle being targets. If you do carry a wallet or purse, be extra careful. These are the prime targets of criminals.

Cooking Safety Tips. Avoid loose or baggy clothing while cooking. Keep objects that can catch fire away from your stovetop. Do not leave the kitchen when you are frying, boiling or grilling food. If you have items in the oven, check on them regularly and use a timer. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period, turn off the stove. Ensure that children and pets avoid the stove and other areas where hot food is being prepared. Perhaps most importantly, make sure to test your smoke alarms and replace any that are more than 10 years old. Smoke alarms save lives!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and it can stay that way when we take the proper precautions. If for any reason you or a loved one experiences an accident that results in a personal injury this holiday, please contact the experienced attorneys at Hupy and Abraham, S.C. for a free, confidential, no-obligation consultation at 800-800-5678 or start a live chat 24/7 at Hupy.com.