Personal Injury Safety Tips for Valentine’s Day 2021
Of all the days that you may not associate with an increased risk of personal injury and accidents, Valentine’s Day would likely be placed pretty high on the list. While it is definitely true that Valentine’s Day does not carry the drunk driving risks of New Year’s Eve or the fireworks risks of Independence Day, this does not mean that small lapses in judgment during a romantic evening cannot result in huge safety concerns.
With that, here are a few safety tips for ensuring your Valentine’s Day is safe, fun, and free of injury.
Trying to Kindle the Romance? Don’t Forget to Blow Out the Candles
Candles, fireplaces, outdoor torches – fire and romance seem to go hand-in-hand; however, when left unsupervised, even the smallest of flames can spread resulting in dangerous situations. This Valentine’s Day, remember to:
- Before starting your fireplace, be sure it has been inspected and tested beforehand. A poorly maintained fireplace is not only a fire hazard, it can also lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Keep clothing, blankets, and any and all flammable materials away from the fireplace.
- Blow out any and all candles before you leave a room.
- Keep candles away from curtains and other flammable materials, and place them far away from any edges that they may fall from.
- Cooking at home? Be sure the stovetop is off when your food is done and consider using timers as reminders while your meal is cooking.
- Make sure all smoke, fire, and carbon monoxide detectors are operational.
Travel Safe
If you are planning a romantic night out or a weekend getaway, make sure you practice safe driving behaviors throughout your travels. This includes:
- Plan for traffic. There’s likely to be more people on the road than usual.
- Wear a seatbelt. There is really no reason to put yourself and the other occupants of your vehicle in danger.
- Make sure your vehicle is in proper working condition. Check your oil, tire pressure, wiper fluid, and ensure your car is up to date on its state inspection.
- Do NOT drink and drive. Have a designated driver or call an Uber or Lyft.
Remember Food Allergies and Food Safety
Food and sweets are cornerstones of a successful Valentine’s Day evening. To ensure your attempts do not go astray, please remember the following:
- Remember your significant other’s food allergies. A lot of chocolates and sweets can include ingredients that are common allergens such as peanuts and coconut. Nothing says you care like listening, and nothing says you are not good at listening like presenting your loved one with food that can cause a medical crisis.
- Practice food safety when cooking at home. It can be easy to get distracted, but make sure you avoid cross-contamination when handling meats and produce and always have a thermometer to make sure your food is at a safe temperature to eat.
BONUS: Pet Safety Tips
Do not forget your furry family members. Common Valentine’s Day gifts and foods can be harmful to your animals, including:
- Lilies – similar to poinsettias, lilies can cause fatal poisonings in cats.
- Chocolates – chocolates, especially dark chocolates, can be poisonous to dogs.
- Alcoholic beverages – alcohol is bad news for any pet, but especially for dogs. If enough is digested, your pet may suffer respiratory issues, central nervous system depression, coma, and death.
Injured in an Accident? Contact Thomas J. Henry Law
Thomas J. Henry Law has the legal and financial resources necessary to properly develop and handle your case in the most effective and efficient way possible. Client satisfaction is paramount, and our attorneys make sure every client is treated with respect, is kept informed with the most up-to-date information on their case, and is made comfortable throughout the entire legal process as we work to secure the compensation they deserve.
We are constantly exploring and implementing new and innovative solutions in the areas of case management, client interaction, and information security. Through satellite technologies, live streaming, and jet services, our lawyers are accessible to clients from anywhere in the world. Can’t make it to one of our Texas law offices? No worries — our lawyers can come to you at your home, workplace, or hospital. Case files and information can also be accessed at the click of a mouse, allowing information to be expedited between our team and to other legal professionals.
In personal injury cases, it can be extremely important to retain expert witnesses with specialized knowledge on a subject related to the case. Thomas J. Henry Law has spent years finding the best expert witnesses across the United States. Our firm retains the most qualified experts for each individual case, from accident reconstruction experts to medical professionals. Every expert undergoes a rigorous and in-depth examination process before ever being involved in a client’s case.
