Holiday Lights – Top Decorating Safety Tips

We are coming into the time of year when families celebrate the holidays. It’s a special feeling to see holiday lights go up on the tree. Part of celebrating the holidays involves decorating your home. Regardless of what holiday you observe; it likely involves decking the halls, holiday lights, and other decorations. Ninety-nine percent of the time, people who decorate their homes with lights, trees, and ornaments have no problems at all. It’s the other 1 percent of the time when people end up calling a skilled Birmingham personal injury attorney.

It is important to remember that most of the time, your holiday season will go off without a hitch. However, if you do have a problem, we have a team of people available.

Be Smart When It Comes to the Tree

A lot of people enjoy shopping for a real Christmas tree. For most people,  it’s simply a matter of tradition. You and the kids go out and pick your own tree. You cart it home and find the perfect spot for it in your house. You spend hours decorating the tree while sipping cocoa and listening to holiday music.

However,  real trees can pose problems. If they aren’t properly hydrated, they can dry out. When this happens, they can become flammable. They can either catch fire because of the bright lights on them, or the tree may be near a vent that emits heat, which can also cause a fire.

Always Turn Lights Out Before You Go to Bed

Holiday lights look their best at night. When it is dark outside, nothing is prettier than seeing those blinking lights on your porch. A lot of us also love to sit in the dark, quiet living room and gaze up at our Christmas tree or brightly lit menorah. The problem is that people leave their holiday lights on all night long. They go to bed thinking their house is actually safer with the lights on. After all, who is going to burglarize a house with holiday lights on?

The truth is that a lot of holiday mishaps take place in the middle of the night, or if you leave your lights on and leave for several hours at a time. If there is a short in your wiring, you could end up with an electrical fire. If this happens, your entire home may be engulfed in flames in a matter of minutes.

When in Doubt, Hire a Professional Decorator

Most of us enjoy putting up holiday decorations. We choose our theme and then go shopping for decorations that match our theme. Or you may have a ton of decorations in storage that you use year after year. Either way, there comes a time when you need to admit that your decorating job is bigger than you are. If you are in over your head, it is a good idea to hire a professional.

There are companies that specialize in decorating houses in Alabama for the holidays. Sometimes they’re professional landscapers. Or they may be construction workers. Either way,  its important to make sure they are reputable and know what they’re doing.

Contact a Seasoned Personal Injury Lawyer in Birmingham, Alabama

If you or your loved one are seriously injured during the holidays, call us. We can let you know if you have a potential claim for damages.

The initial consultation is free. This gives you a chance to sit down with someone who has handled dozens of cases like yours before and can answer your questions.