The holidays are just around the corner and that means it’s time to start getting the house ready. While decorations may be a fun way to show off your personality and help your home stand out on the block, they’re also responsible for many of the most common seasonal injuries. These mishaps can even leave you needing professional cleanup services, so it’s important to know how to protect yourself and your property. 

5 Holiday Injuries & Damage to Avoid This Season

1. Falls

Hanging lights and decorations often means climbing ladders or working on the roof of your home. One wrong step or one missed rung on the ladder can leave you falling several feet down to the ground. Before climbing any ladder, make sure it is stable, keep kids and pets away from the area, and ask someone to hold the ladder while you’re working.

2. Electrical Hazards

Holiday lights are fun, but when their wires are damaged, they can become a major safety hazard. Not only does the damaged wire put your home at risk for fires, but it also puts you at risk for electrocution. Before plugging lights in, inspect the rubber safety coating on the strands. If anything looks compromised, throw them away. This could save you a trip to the hospital while also reducing the risk of fire damage that needs to be repaired by a professional cleanup crew.

3. Burns

Candles and fires make the season bright, but they’re also a major source of burn injuries, especially for children. To keep them safe, put candles out of reach when lit and make sure the fireplace is covered by a protective grate. This will reduce the risk of burns and even curb flying embers that could otherwise damage your carpet and require professional cleanup.

4. Tree Fires

Each year, many Christmas trees end up catching fire either due to proximity to heaters, damaged lights, or even knocked-over candles. These fires cause extensive fire damage at best and can be fatal at worst. Set the tree up in an area away from possible fire hazards and thoroughly inspect the lights before hanging them.

5. Drinking While Decorating

It’s best to avoid alcoholic beverages when you’re decorating. Believe it or not, being the slightest bit under the influence can increase your risk of injuries. No one wants to deal with a hammered thumb while tacking up decorations! Instead, take care of the decorations first.

Nothing ruins the holidays like a severe injury and extensive damage to your home. Let the professional cleanup team at All Care Restoration in Lincoln, NE, help you get your home ready for the holidays. Whether you have existing water damage in the house or need a carpet cleaning appointment to fix the damage done by a small electrical fire, they’re ready to help. Learn more about their services online and call (402) 421-3779 to schedule an estimate today.