The holiday season brings warmth, tradition, and cherished memories—but it also brings a higher risk of personal injury. From decorating accidents to holiday travel hazards, December is one of the busiest months for emergency rooms. At HGD Law Firm, we believe prevention is the best protection. That’s why we’re sharing 12 of the most common holiday hazards and how to avoid them.
As a client-centered and excellence-focused firm, our goal is to equip Alabama families with the knowledge to enjoy a safe, injury-free season.
1. Ladder Falls While Decorating
Each year, thousands of people are injured while decorating their homes for the holidays—many from falling off ladders, rooftops, or furniture. Make sure your ladder is stable, set on level ground, and never climb higher than the manufacturer recommends. Have someone hold the ladder for stability. Avoid leaning too far to the side—it’s safer to climb down and reposition. Decorating is fun—but safety comes first.
2. Electrical Overloads from Holiday Lighting
Overloaded circuits and faulty wiring are responsible for many holiday house fires. Use LED lights instead of older incandescent strands. Never plug too many cords into one outlet or daisy-chain multiple extension cords. Only use indoor-rated lights inside and check for frayed wires before hanging.
3. Kitchen Burns and Cuts
Cooking injuries—especially burns and cuts—increase during the holiday season. Distractions in the kitchen are common when entertaining guests or preparing elaborate meals. Use oven mitts, keep knives out of reach of children, and avoid leaving hot pans unattended. Burns from grease, ovens, or boiling liquids can lead to serious complications.
4. Candles and Open Flames
Candle fires peak in December. Never leave candles unattended, especially when children or pets are nearby. Keep flammable decorations like garlands or paper too far away to catch fire. Consider switching to flameless LED candles that provide the same ambiance with none of the risk.
5. Slips and Falls on Icy or Wet Surfaces
Alabama may not see much snow, but wet walkways and cluttered porches are still a hazard. Guests tracking in moisture can create slippery floors. Use rugs with non-slip backing, add outdoor mats, and place wet floor signs if you're hosting large groups. Outdoors, salt your steps and driveway if temps drop.
6. Drunk Driving
Holidays mean more parties—and unfortunately, more drunk drivers on the road. Always plan a safe ride home if you’ve had alcohol. Alabama law enforcement is especially vigilant this time of year. A DUI can lead to jail time, license suspension, or worse. Protect yourself and others: never drive impaired.
7. Distracted Driving
Distraction is another holiday driving danger. Whether it’s looking for directions, checking gift lists, or managing backseat arguments—your attention must stay on the road. Put phones on silent, pre-set your GPS, and pull over if you need to make a call or text. One second of distraction can change everything.
8. Dangerous or Recalled Decorations
Cheap or defective decorations can pose serious risks. Always check for product recalls, particularly with electrical items or decorations marketed for children. Items that contain toxic materials or small parts can create hidden dangers. Only buy from reputable retailers and inspect items before use.
9. Toy Hazards
Holiday gift-giving should be joyful—not dangerous. Read age recommendations carefully. Small parts, batteries, or sharp edges can cause injuries. Avoid toys with magnets for young children and inspect every toy before wrapping. If you suspect a toy-related injury was caused by a defective product, our team can help.
10. Firework Injuries
As New Year’s approaches, fireworks become a favorite way to celebrate—but also a leading cause of holiday injuries. Burns, eye injuries, and hearing damage are all common. Even sparklers, often handed to young children, burn at over 1,000 degrees. If you plan to use fireworks at home, know your local laws and have water nearby.
11. Package Theft and Holiday Crime
Increased online shopping means more packages—and more opportunity for theft. Porch pirates often follow delivery trucks, especially in residential neighborhoods. Install cameras, use Amazon lockers, or require signatures. Don’t advertise travel plans on social media—it invites unwanted attention.
12. Holiday Fatigue
From late-night gift wrapping to early-morning errands, exhaustion is a hidden hazard. Fatigue slows reaction times and increases the likelihood of accidents. Prioritize rest, and don’t drive if you’re overtired. It’s okay to say no to a few events in the name of safety and well-being.
When the Unexpected Happens, Call HGD
Despite your best efforts, accidents still happen. If you or someone you love is injured during the holidays, HGD Law Firm is here. Our experienced personal injury team will move quickly, provide white-glove legal support, and handle your case with care.
From the moment you call, you’ll experience our CIRCLE values in action—Client-Centered service, Integrity, Respect, Commitment, Leadership, and Excellence.
This season, protect what matters most. And if something goes wrong, trust HGD to make it right.
