It’s officially the holiday season in Reno. With the twinkling lights and holiday festivities, it’s easy to forget the hidden dangers of lights, decorations, and all that comes with it. Faulty decorations, improper installations, falls, electrocution, and more can lead to devastating or even fatal Reno holiday light injuries that can ruin your holiday celebration.
In this blog, our Reno personal injury lawyer offers some tips on how to prevent Reno Christmas light injuries.
Types of Reno Holiday Light Injuries
When you think of Reno holiday light injuries, electrocution injuries likely come to mind. However, there are a few other types of injuries that can occur, including the following.
- Electrical Shock
One of the most serious risks associated with holiday lights is electrical shock and electrocution. Faulty wiring, damaged cords, or overloading electrical outlets can lead to dangerous situations. To prevent electrical shock injuries, inspect your lights for frayed wires, exposed metal, or other signs of damage before plugging them in. Never overload outlets and only use extension cords or lights designed for outdoor use when decorating outdoors.
- Burns and Fires
Along with electrocution, burn injuries and fires are another risk to be aware of. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that electrical problems and holiday lights are associated with, on average, more than 40% of Christmas tree fires.
To minimize the risk of burns and fires, turn off your lights when you leave the house or go to bed. Choose LED lights, which produce less heat than traditional incandescent bulbs. Make sure to discard any string lights with missing bulbs. Additionally, make sure to place lights away from flammable materials.
- Slips, Trips, and Falls
Both installing holiday lights and removing them at the end of the season often involve climbing ladders, navigating rooftops, or reaching high places. If you’re using a ladder, make sure to wear shoes with good traction and have someone hold the ladder for you. Trips and falls are common during this process and can result in injuries ranging from minor bruises, broken bones, sprains, and even head injuries.
- Cuts and Lacerations
Handling sharp objects like broken bulbs, can lead to cuts and lacerations. When unpacking or storing holiday decorations, use caution and wear gloves to protect your hands. Inspect decorations for any sharp edges, and replace broken items to prevent injuries.
These are just a few types of Reno holiday light injuries that can occur. Also, remember, taking down holiday decorations can be just as dangerous as decking the halls, so it’s important to stay safe all season long.
Additional Ways to Prevent Holiday Light Electrocution Injuries
Along with the tips and types of Reno holiday light injuries mentioned above, we have a few additional tips to help keep you safe around holiday lights this season.
- Use timers to automatically turn on and off your lights.
- Don’t leave lights unattended, especially overnight.
- Check the weather forecast before installing or dismantling outdoor holiday lights.
- Turn off the power to the lights before taking them down or replacing any bulbs.
- Store your lights in a cool, dry place. Use reels or speciality organizers to prevent tangles and damage. This will both prevent holiday light injuries, fires, and will extend the lifespan of your lights.
- Wear safety glasses when taking down decorations, especially if you are using a ladder. Getting poked in the eye by a branch or ornament is a common eye injury.
- Take your time and be careful with each decoration.
- Do not use indoor lights outdoors.
Contact an Electrocution Lawyer Today
By prioritizing safety measures when installing and dismantling Christmas lights, you can prevent devastating Reno holiday light injuries and ensure a joyful holiday season for everyone. Even if you follow safety measures, it doesn’t mean everyone else will. Accidents can happen when others are acting negligently or recklessly. If you or a loved one have suffered from a Reno Christmas light electrocution injury, we can help. Our experienced local personal injury attorney can help you obtain compensation for your injuries, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more.
You can reach Lerner and Rowe 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by phone at 844-977-1900, via LiveChat or contact form. Consultations are free and we do not charge any legal fees until monies have been recovered on your behalf. Our legal team gets results. Contact us today to learn what we can do for you.