Safe Travels on New Year’s Eve

 

Tomorrow night everyone will be out in full force remembering auld lang syne and celebrating the hopes and dreams of a new year.  Please drink responsibly, do not drink and drive and remember if you cannot drive yourself, do not have a designated driver, and cannot stay where you have been reveling,

The Yellow Cab Company can help!

Since partnering with AAA in 2010, Yellow Cab has been providing free rides on New Year’s Eve to those who have had too much to drink and should not drive. Yellow Cab serves the following towns:

• BLOOMFIELD
• EAST HARTFORD
• EAST WINDSOR
• ENFIELD
• FARMINGTON
• GRANBY
• HARTFORD
• MANCHESTER
• NEW BRITAIN
• NEWINGTON
• ROCKY HILL
• SIMSBURY
• SOUTH WINDSOR
• VERNON
• WEST HARTFORD
• WETHERSFIELD
• WINDSOR
• WINDSOR LOCKS

From everyone at Walsh Woodard, LLC, have a safe and happy New Year!

Protecting yourself and others during holiday parties

The holidays are approaching and with them much anticipated revelry. There will be house parties and office parties to host and attend. Remember, at this time when libations flow as freely as the snow may fall, to follow these safety tips:

If you are hosting a holiday party:

• Remember to carefully place candles or use electric candles for ultimate safety. Avoid placing candles near flammable material or where party goers can knock them over.
• Remember to practice safe cooking this holiday to avoid grease fires. In addition, keep a fire extinguisher discreetly handy.
• Remember as you serve alcoholic beverages to family and friends that you are responsible for their safety when traveling home. Be sure to monitor your guests consumption and do not be afraid to take the keys of anyone who appears inebriated, call them a taxi or offer them a place to sleep it off.
• Remember that if “the weather outside is frightful” you are responsible for the safety of your guests on your property. Be sure to clear and salt all walkways and driveways, and make sure all entrances are properly lit to avoid any accidents. If you have an area outside your home that is dangerous despite your efforts (i.e. a construction area, sinkhole, sheet of ice) be sure that it is properly marked with signs or caution tape to warn individuals of danger and keep them away.

If you are attending a holiday party:

• Remember to drive safely. No texting, using cell phones, or drinking and driving. Either avoid these altogether or designate a driver to chauffeur you to your party destinations.
• Remember to drink responsibly. This is important not just concerning driving but also how you conduct yourself at the party. Drunkenness is not only inappropriate and unattractive but can cause accidents. Your balance will be affected potentially leading to a slip and fall. Your actions could harm not just yourself but someone else.
• Remember to be vigilant. This is a time of the year when there is increased crowds and traffic. This can lead to car accidents, theft, vandalism, and assault. While you can’t always avoid these incidents you can be more aware of your surroundings to help mitigate the chance of your Happy Holiday turning into a Bah Humbug.

From everyone at Walsh Woodard, LLC have a safe and happy holiday!

CHRISTMAS TREE SAFETY

“For every year the Christmas tree,
Brings to us all both joy and glee.
Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree,
Such pleasure do you bring me!”

Indeed, this is the time of year that family and friends gather around a festively adorned evergreentree.  It is the symbol of the holiday.  According to the National Christmas Tree Association, there are approximately 25-30 million real trees cut down, placed in the home and decorated each year. In addition, approximately 10 million fake trees are sold each year.But this most beloved tradition can also turn into a potentially deadly disaster.  The National Fire Protection Association reports that there is an average of 210 structure fires caused by Christmas trees each year.[1]These fires resulted in an average of six deaths, 22 injuries and $18.3 million of property damage a year.[2]  Typical causes of Christmas tree fires:

• 32% caused by Electrical failures or malfunctions.
• 17% caused by some type of heat source was too close to the tree.
• 12% Decorative lights on line voltage.
• 7% started by candles.[3]

Stay safe this year by following these helpful tips from the National Fire Protection Association:

Picking the tree

• Choose a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched.
• If you have an artificial tree, be sure it is labeled, certified, or identified by the manufacturer as fire retardant.

Placing the tree

• Before placing the tree in the stand, cut 1″ – 2″ from the base of the trunk.
• Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights.
• Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit.
• Add water to the tree stand. Be sure to add water daily.

Lighting the tree

• Use lights that have the label of an independent testing laboratory. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both.
• Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Connect no more than three strands of mini string sets and a maximum of 50 bulbs for screw-in bulbs. Read manufacturer’s instructions for number of LED strands to connect.
• Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.
• Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.

After Christmas

• Get rid of the tree when it begins dropping needles. Dried-out trees are a fire danger and should not be left in the home or garage, or placed outside against the home. Check with your local community to find a recycling program. Bring outdoor electrical lights inside after the holidays to prevent hazards and make them last longer.[4]

From everyone at Walsh Woodard, LLC, have a safe and happy Holiday season.

[1]http://www.nfpa.org/research/reports-and-statistics/fire-causes/holiday/christmas-tree-and-holiday-lights

[2]http://www.nfpa.org/research/reports-and-statistics/fire-causes/holiday/christmas-tree-and-holiday-lights

[3]http://www.nfpa.org/research/reports-and-statistics/fire-causes/holiday/christmas-tree-and-holiday-lights

[4]http://www.nfpa.org/safety-information/for-consumers/holidays/christmas-tree-fires/christmas-tree-safety-tips

Thanksgiving Vehicle Accidents

Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel days of the year. With so many people on the road there is of course a increase in the number of accidents.  According to Forbes, Thanksgiving is the deadliest vehicle accident holiday of the year in America*. It trumps both New Years Day and Independence Day. So while you are driving your car to be with your loved ones, stay alert and watch out for reckless drivers. Long journeyers trying to make it across states in time, drunken holiday partakers, and large numbers categorize the vehicle traffic on American roadways this time of year all mean that you should take extra care.

Unfortunately, accidents do happen because of the negligence of others. If you or someone you know end up in vehicle accident please reach out to one of our auto accident lawyers at (860) 549-8440, or click here to contact us. Our auto accident lawyers will stay vigilant this holiday season to ensure that you and your family get the best treatment.