Holiday Safety Tips

At Marks Law Group, we want you and your family to enjoy your holidays together. While holidays are generally fun-filled times, injuries can certainly happen. Shopping, cooking, Christmas trees, and unsafe toys all pose possible threats. In this article, we will go over some tips to keep you and your loved ones safe, including:

1. Cooking and Food-related Injuries
2. Christmas Tree Safety 
3. Shopping Injuries
4. Unsafe Toys and Product Liability

Cooking and Food-related Injuries

Kitchen Appliance Injuries 

Cuts, burns, and faulty kitchen products can cause cooking injuries, especially during the holidays. Keep yourself safe by staying focused, reading instructions, and treating any injuries promptly. 

Refrigerators, dishwashers, and ovens are a few of the kitchen appliances that could cause injuries if they are not properly constructed, inspected, and installed. If you are injured by a kitchen appliance or product, be sure to keep the product in its current condition and avoid disposing of it until Marks Law Group has had a chance to review your case. 

Food borne Illnesses

Kitchen appliances are not the only potential dangers in the kitchen. Food borne illnesses are also cause for concern. 

Unfortunately, some cases of food poisoning can go beyond vomiting and gastrointestinal discomfort: severe cases can cause lasting health problems and even death, particularly for the very young and the elderly. 

Pay attention to food recalls you hear about on the news and keep follow food safety guidelines. 

If you become severely ill from food poisoning, please seek medical treatment immediately. Consider reaching out to Marks Law Group if you can trace your illness to a specific food or even a restaurant. 

Christmas Tree Safety 

Christmas trees are one of the most beloved symbols of the holiday season. The glittering lights and brightly-colored ornaments are a wonderful backdrop for making memories if you celebrate this holiday. 

Whether your tree is fresh or faux, there are some key safety considerations to keep in mind:

• Water your tree. Your tree needs plenty of water to stay as fresh as possible. Choose the freshest tree by looking for a bright green tree with needles that don’t pluck off easily. When your tree begins to drop its needles, remove the tree from your home.
• Stabilize your tree. Use a sturdy stand. Consider a stand with a broad base. You can also anchor your tree using weights or fishing line if you feel it needs some extra stability. 
• Inspect lights/wiring. Check your lights carefully to make sure they are in good repair and working properly. Buy lights from a reputable retailer and be wary of bargain lights. Check the box to be sure lights were tested in a lab. Use LED lights, which tend to be cooler. Don’t overload outlets. 
• Keep tree away from heat sources. Candles and a fire in the fireplace add to the ambiance of the holiday season; however, it is a bad idea to light a fire near your Christmas tree. Be sure to keep your tree away from open flame and heat sources, like space heaters. 
• Turn Off Lights at Night. Before you go to bed, turn off your tree. Unplugging is best. You should also unplug the tree when you are away from home. 

Shopping Injuries

We have written about shopping injuries previously on our blog. 

When shopping for the perfect holiday gift, avoid displays that seems unstable or items placed too high to reach easily. Be on the look out for spills that could cause you to slip and fall. Use common sense, and know that you have the right to shop in a safe environment. 

Businesses have a responsibility to keep shoppers safe by keeping the aisles clean and accessible; stacking items safely; and securing items that could fall on customers. If you are injured while shopping, consider taking  the following steps:

• Report and document the incident. Notify the manager and complete an incident report. Make sure your incident has been recorded snap a photo of the incident report once it is complete for your records. You might also photograph the area where the incident occurred. 
• Identify any witnesses. If possible, obtain their contact information.
• Seek medical attention. Depending on the severity of your injury, get medical help as soon as possible. Clearly explain the cause of your injury to medical professionals. Follow your medical provider’s instructions. 

Unsafe Toys and Product Liability 

The holidays may bring an abundance of toys and gifts from well-meaning relatives who have not considered any dangers the toys could present to your children. Both Hanukkah and Christmas present plenty of opportunities for presents for young children. 

Even toys that look safe could pose hidden dangers. Ultimately, toy manufacturers have a responsibility to use safe materials in safe ways to produce safe toys with clear age limits and warnings included on their packaging. 

Of course, there are steps that you, as a parent or caregiver, can take to keep your children safe around toys:

• Stick to gifts designed for your kids’ ages. 
• Check for small parts. 
• Research toys for possible recalls. 
• Be wary of toys with strings or cords attached that could pose a strangulation risk. 
• Supervise young children playing with new toys at first. 

If your child does become injured by a toy, Marks Law Group can help you determine if you have a case.

Marks Law Group Wishes You a Happy Holiday Season!

At Marks Law Group, we wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season. If you or a loved one experiences a food or product-related injury this holiday season, please feel free to call us immediately for support. We are here to connect you to the resources you need and get you the compensation you deserve. To us, your case is personal: we are here to support the members of our community and the greater Atlanta area. We are experienced, and we know how to help.

Happy Holidays from the Marks Law Group team!