Keeping Santa Safe This Christmas: Holiday Visitor Safety
From flying through the night sky behind his team of reindeer to sliding down all of those chimneys, Santa has no shortage of occupational hazards at Christmas. It’s only right that homeowners are aware of the dangers in their home, especially when it comes to holiday guests. Here are a few tips for keeping your friends, family, and Santa safe this yuletide.
Serve Alcohol Responsibly
While Santa will stick to milk, other holiday guests may partake of something a little more festive. In Texas, party hosts can be held liable if a minor has been drinking in their home and is involved in an accident following the gathering.
It’s a good idea to stop serving alcohol before the party ends. Lead Attorney Brad Parker says, “If you are hosting a gathering, remember to keep an eye on any guests under the age of 21.” An hour or two before you expect guests to leave, put away the alcohol and serve dessert and coffee instead.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports a spike in alcohol-impaired driving on major holidays. Those who choose to attend parties at Christmas should consider getting a designated driver who will commit to not drinking or calling a ride-sharing service such as Uber or Lyft.
Call Off the Dogs
Strangers in your home can put stress on your pets. Moments of fear could lead to aggressive behavior from your furry friend, even if they have never shown signs of aggression before. Brad says, “Dogs can get scared or overreact when put in certain situations. Put your dog away, either in a back bedroom or crate. Otherwise, you are putting yourself at serious liability, not to mention the horrific humiliation of a guest being attacked in your home.”
Reduce Slips and Falls
If there’s carpet on the stairs in your home, it needs to be tight with no protruding nails or tripping hazards. If little ones will be in attendance, put a gate at the top of the stairs. “Please make sure there is nothing around the house that guests could trip over, such as lamp cords, unmarked steps, or bunched-up rugs,” Brad says.
Also, make sure the outside of your home is well-lit to avoid potentially dangerous conditions. Otherwise, guests may slip and fall on the way into or out of your home.
Leave the Flu and COVID Off the Invite List
Plenty of precautions can be taken to prevent the spread of infection at holiday parties, including vaccines, proper ventilation, and testing if you are feeling ill. The holidays represent the peak of cold and flu season, but now we must also contend with COVID. Don’t forget to wash your hands regularly, or Santa may add you to his naughty list.
Parker Law Firm Injury Lawyers Can Help
We hope that with this advice in mind, you and your loved ones will have a safe, celebratory holiday season. Taking these steps can go a long way toward preventing injuries and accidents from occurring, allowing you to focus on the positives surrounding this time of year.
Parker Law Firm Injury Lawyers is passionate about helping our local community. If you have further questions about what you can do to keep your visitors healthy and happy during the holidays, feel free to reach out to us at your convenience.
Contact the Personal Injury Law Firm of Parker Law Firm Injury Lawyers in Fort Worth for Help Today
For more information, please contact an experienced personal injury lawyer at Parker Law Firm Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation today. We have convenient locations in Bedford and Fort Worth, Texas.
Parker Law Firm Injury Lawyers – Bedford
2317 Plaza Pkwy #100,
Bedford, TX 76021
(817) 503-9200
Parker Law Firm Injury Lawyers – Fort Worth
209 N Hampton St,
Fort Worth, TX 76102
(817) 839-3143
