Fires and resulting burns are unfortunately common during the festive fall and winter holiday season, often due to the increased use of fireplaces, kitchen stoves and cooking appliances and space heaters and other electrical devices. By taking safety precautions and knowing how to respond to burn incidents, you can help protect yourself and your family and preserve your legal rights.

Here are the most common causes of fall and winter holiday burn injuries:

• Fireplaces — Fireplaces create a warm, cozy holiday atmosphere but they can also be fire hazards. Sparks can jump out of the fireplace, igniting nearby flammable items, or creosote buildup can lead to dangerous chimney fires. To prevent accidents, have your chimney inspected and cleaned by a professional before the season starts. Always use a fireplace screen to keep sparks from flying out, and make sure there are no flammable objects (like stockings or decorations) within three feet of the fireplace. Never leave a fire unattended, and ensure it is fully extinguished before you go to bed or leave the house.

• Space Heaters — These devices are a convenient way to warm specific rooms during colder months, but they are also one of the leading causes of house fires in winter. Space heaters can overheat or tip over, leading to fires. To reduce risk, place your space heater on a flat, stable surface away from curtains, bedding, and furniture. Keep the heater at least three feet away from anything flammable, and always turn it off when leaving the room or going to sleep. Look for models with safety features like automatic shutoff and tip-over protection.

• Kitchen Accidents — Cooking-related fires are especially common during holidays when large meals are prepared. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, there are an average of 1,600 cooking fires on Thanksgiving Day, more than three times the daily average. Turkey fryers pose a particularly high risk of accidents. If not used correctly, oil can overflow or spill, causing serious burns or igniting fires. To prevent accidents, use fryers outdoors on flat, non-flammable surfaces, and keep children and pets away. Make sure the turkey is fully thawed and dry before lowering it into the oil to avoid dangerous splattering. Never leave the fryer unattended, and have a fire extinguisher nearby in case of an oil fire.

If you or a loved one suffers a bad burn, quick action can make a big difference. For minor burns, cool the area with running water for 10 to 15 minutes, but avoid ice as it can cause further tissue damage. Cover the burn with a sterile, non-stick bandage, and avoid breaking any blisters. For serious burns, seek medical attention immediately. Do not apply creams, ointments, or home remedies to severe burns, as they can interfere with healing or worsen the injury.

In cases of severe burns, call 911 or visit the emergency room. After getting medical care, consult a burn injury attorney to understand if there are grounds for compensation, especially if a defective product caused the injury. Burn injuries can lead to costly treatments and long-term rehabilitation, and legal advice can help you cover these expenses. 

Gesmonde, Pietrosimone & Sgrignari, L.L.C. in East Haven and Hamden represents burn victims throughout Connecticut, getting them the compensation they need and deserve. To set up a free consultation, please call 203-745-0942 or contact us online.