The holiday season is filled with much joy. It’s a time to gather with family and friends and to celebrate the past year as well as the New Year. With the change in weather and much to celebrate, the holiday also poses risks for injury from slip and trip accidents to driving related accidents. Beattie Law Firm has provided the following tips for staying safe in the upcoming week.

Christmas Safety ¹

1. Maintain your holiday lights — inspect lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive wear before putting them up.
2. Do not overload electrical outlets — lights should not be warm to touch, do not link more than three light strands, and connect strings to an electrical cord before plugging the cord into the outlet.
3. Use nonflammable decorations — all decorations should be non flammable and should be kept away from heat vents.
4. Never put wrapping paper in a fireplace — it can throw off dangerous sparks and produce chemical buildup and may cause an explosion.

New Years Eve Safety ¹

1. Plan ahead by naming a designated driver.
2. Contact a local cab company to provide rides for your guests.
3. Serve non-alcoholic beverages as an option to your guests.
4. Provide guests with a place to stay overnight.
5. Stop serving alcohol to your guests several hours before the party ends.
6. Take the keys from someone if you feel they are too impaired to drive.

Winter Driving Safety ²

1. Always buckle up when you’re on the road. Seatbelts may reduce your risk of death or a serious injury by half.
2. Check your brakes and know what they do.
3. Avoid fatigue.
4. Maintain your car — check your battery, tire tread, windshield wipers; keep your windows clear; and check your antifreeze.
5. Allow yourself enough time to reach your designation.
6. If driving is not recommended, try to stay off the road.
7. Remember the three P’s of safe winter driving — PREPARE for the trip; PROTECT yourself; and PREVENT crashes on the road.

¹ Tips provided by www.usa.gov

² Tips provided by www.osha.gov