ATHENS eBULLETIN | October 17, 2019

As the holidays approach and we are filled with the excitement of the events to come, it’s important to remember to stay safe. Between holiday decorations, deep fried turkeys, pumpkin carving, lights, trees, and travel, we want to help you navigate some of the most common holiday-related injuries and provide you with some precautions to help keep you and your family safe this holiday season.

Check your wires- As we put up all the beautiful lights and decorations around our house and office it’s important to make sure all cords are in good condition. Be sure to check all cords and wires including your extension cords. Be sure not to run too many lights from a single outlet and follow the recommended guidelines when using extension cords.

Check your bulbs- We recommend using LED lights whenever possible. They have a cool-burning technology and help save electricity.

Extension cords- Whenever using an extension cord be sure to check to make sure there are no exposed wires. Always store extension cords indoors when not in use and be sure to only use indoor extension cords for indoors and outdoor for outdoor. Unplug any extension cord when it is not in use and when unplugging, pull from the plug, not the wall.

Ladder safety- When attempting to hang items out of reach always use an appropriately sized ladder. Always check to make sure the ladder is opened fully on a firm and level surface and locked in place. Whenever possible ask someone to spot you on the ladder. While climbing the ladder, maintain three points of contact at all time by keeping both feet and one hand on the ladder at all times. Make sure you don’t stand, climb, or sit on the top shelf of the ladder.

Kitchen safety- Holiday food is the best. A burned house during the holidays is not. Make sure you check your fire extinguisher and follow recommended cooking temperatures. If deep frying that delicious turkey we recommend doing this outside. Grease fires are very common during the holidays, Jeep baking soda or flour nearby in case you need to smother the fire.

Water your tree- If you choose to have a live tree in your house, be sure to check the water constantly to ensure the tree does not dry out, causing a fire hazard.

Test your smoke alarms- Check to make sure all of your smoke alarms are functioning. Smoke alarms should be replaced every ten years . Smoke alarms should be inside each bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement. Install alarms in the living room (or den or family room) or near the stairway to the upper level, or in both locations.

Blow out your candles- Make sure candles are in a visible area. Be sure to blow out all candles before leaving the house. Keep candles away from anything flammable, including the Christmas tree. Unattended candles cause millions of dollars of property damage every year. If possible, use LED candles especially at your place of work.

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About Athens Administrators:

Founded in 1976 Athens Administrators is a national third party administrator of Workers’ Compensation and Property and Casualty claims as well as Managed Care services. We proudly provide service to private and public sector, self-insured clients as well as to insurance carriers and managing general agencies.