Ten Tips for a Safe Holiday

• Keep Christmas trees well-watered. A dry and neglected tree is a fire accident waiting to happen.

• Poinsettia plants can be poisonous—keep them out of reach of animals and children.

• Before decorating the outside of your home, make sure the lights are approved for outdoors.

• Do not use a ladder to decorate a tree or your home to avoid a fall accident.

• Do not buy any toys that contain lead, cadmium, mercury, bromine, chlorine, or arsenic. Check the Consumer Product Safety Commission for the latest recalls.

• Do not set off your own fireworks or firearms—leave it to the pros.

• Make sure all food is prepared properly and fully cooked. Follow the United States Department of Agriculture guidelines.

• When shopping, do not overload yourself with heavy packages—keep your line of vision clear and beware of strangers in the parking lots.

• If traveling for the holidays, ask a trusted neighbor to watch your home while you are away.

• Always have a designated driver if you are attending a holiday party where alcohol is being served.

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury during the holidays, the Florida injury lawyers at Steinger, Iscoe & Greene can help.