.2411270819178.jpg)
The holiday season is a joyful time for celebration, family, and festive fun across Texas. But while you are enjoying the excitement of the season, don’t let safety take a backseat. From navigating bustling kitchens during holiday dinners and using ladders for decorating to driving through the snow in some of the state’s colder climates, the risk of accidents specific to the holiday season might be more common than you realize.
Kitchen Accidents During the Holidays
Texas does everything bigger, including holiday meals. Big meals mean a lot of prep time and people going in and out of the kitchen, though, which can really be chaotic. While you are working on a holiday meal for your loved ones, keep safety in mind, so everyone will be safe and sat at the dinner table by the time the turkey, ham, or roast is ready.
Safety tips to prevent kitchen accidents during the holidays include:
- Keep sharp utensils and hot cookware out of reach, especially if children are in the kitchen.
- Use oven mitts and heat-resistant tools when handling hot pans or trays.
- Don’t wear just socks or slippery footwear, which could make you more likely to slip on the kitchen tile, especially if you are rushing around.
- Focus on the task at hand—avoid multitasking or distractions like phone use during cooking.
- Pre-sharpen cutting utensils – they are more dangerous when dull – and do not let children use them.
Fall Accidents in the Holiday Season
Hanging up holiday lights, decorating Christmas trees, or reaching for hard-to-access storage can all lead to falls during the holidays. Don’t forget that there is also an increased risk of slipping on ice and snow on outdoor walkways during the winter. Even warmer parts of Texas can still get ice on the sidewalks on particularly cold mornings.
Tips to prevent holiday falls, you should:
- Always use a sturdy ladder with a spotter to hold it steady while decorating.
- Avoid overreaching or using inappropriate tools for height, like standing on chairs.
- Keep walkways clear of debris or hazards, especially after setting up decorations.
- If the weather gets frosty, de-ice steps and paths to ensure visitors can enter your home safely.
Increased Risk of Car Accidents During the Holidays in Texas
The holidays are one of the busiest travel times in Texas. Whether you're driving across town or the state, the roads become a hub of activity with people rushing to holiday parties, shopping malls, and family gatherings. With more drivers on the road, the risk of encountering a negligent or distracted driver naturally increases. If the temperatures drop far enough in your area, you will also have to consider the risk of car accidents caused by icy road conditions.
Holiday driving safety tips for drivers in Texas include:
- Plan your route: Allow extra travel time so you won’t need to speed or rush.
- Never drink and drive: Use a designated driver or ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft if you plan to drink.
- Eliminate distractions: Turn off notifications and avoid using your phone while driving.
- Check for issues: Perform a vehicle safety check before hitting the road, such as checking your tires, brakes, lights, and wipers.
Holiday Fire Hazards
Fire hazards are one of the most dangerous concerns during the holidays. Unattended candles, overflowing electrical outlets for holiday lights, and overfed fireplaces can all pose significant fire risks. Even the placement or condition of your Christmas tree can create a fire risk if you aren’t careful and don’t know how to improve fire safety in your home.
Must-know fire safety tips that everyone in your household should know are:
- Inspect holiday lights for frayed wires or broken bulbs before using them. Replace damaged ones immediately.
- Turn off lights and decorations before leaving home or going to sleep.
- Keep candles and open flames away from curtains, decorations, Christmas trees, and other flammable materials. Extinguish all candles before leaving a room unoccupied, even if you will return in a few minutes.
- If you’re using a fireplace, never leave it unattended. Use a screen to prevent cinders from escaping.
- Have a working fire extinguisher nearby and ensure smoke detectors in your home are fully functional.
From all of us at Hilliard Law, the personal injury trial law firm trusted by people across Texas, we hope you keep these safety tips in mind and share them with your family and loved ones. We want everyone to have a worry-free holiday season and a wonderful New Year. Make safety a tradition—it’s a gift that everyone will appreciate. Stay safe, Texas, and happy holidays!
Need the legal counsel of Hilliard Law to file an injury claim or lawsuit? We’re always standing by to help people pursue justice and compensation after an accident. Call (361) 882-1612 or use an online contact form to learn more.