Research from the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that more than twelve thousand children 19 and younger die each year from preventable accidents. Safety at home means keeping homes safer for children of all ages.

Keep Kids Safe

Children, especially younger children, get hurt more often because they are smaller and less aware of danger. They are also curious and get hurt in ways that adults would not. Safety at home includes awareness of the most common causes of child injuries will help stop accidents and keep your child safer.

One of the most common accidents that hurt children is falling. Increase safety at home and prevent falls by supervising play activity. Do not let children play on furniture or near open windows. To protect particularly young children, block stairways with safety gates. Do not use baby walkers near stairs.

Children of all ages can choke on food. Some foods, such as hot dogs, hard candies and nuts are responsible for approximately 40% of choking deaths. Help prevent choking by monitoring what your child eats. Cut food into smaller bites when possible.

Preventing the most common burn injuries improves safety at home. Cook on back burners of the stove and turn handles backward, so children cannot pull or knock over pots

Basic Tips For A Safety At Home

• Keeping walkways and stairs clear of clutter to help prevent falls;
• Ensure toys are safe and child appropriate;
• Teaching children to put away toys to avoid tripping over them;
• Keeping small toys away from small children to prevent choking;
• Storing medicines, cleaners, and other chemicals up high and out of reach of children. If storing these items lower, use a child-proof cabinet lock;
• Testing home fire alarms often; and
• Practicing an exit plan with your children in case of fire

Johnson Law encourages Alaskans to adopt safety at home measures for a continued happy holiday season. We recommend these websites to parents and caregivers keen on increasing safety at home:

• Mom Junction – safety for children from birth through early teens;
• Childhood 101 – building a better environment for children 12 and younger; and
• Safe Kids Worldwide – monthly newsletter delivered to your email.

Johnson Law, P.C. has been helping Alaskans for 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Image Source: I’m The Chef Too

Traveling Over The Holidays

Never post your travel plans online. Sharing your travel details makes you susceptible to intruders in your absence. Even if you feel that your online posts are private. Home safety includes protecting your privacy. Avoid becoming a victim by sharing specific details on the internet – always practice Internet Safety.

Notify a neighbor of your travel plans. The best person to increase home safety and keep an eye on your house is a person living close to you who sees your home throughout the day. Provide good contact information to your neighbor so they can easily reach you in case of emergency.

Do not make your home look appealing to a criminal. Many crimes against home safety occur because of opportunity. If you know that you will be away for extended times, do not order packages that will sit on your door step for days. Ask a friend or neighbor to grab your mail so that your mailbox is not over filling. The post office will also hold mail while you are traveling as a good way to avoid packages being stolen.

Staying Home Over The Holidays

Staying home with family or having visitors at your home are also perfect ways to spend the holiday season. It is still important to implement home safety precautions and not make yourself a target.

Do not put your tree in front of an open window with presents all around. Presents under the tree look nice. They also attract attention. Hide presents in safe locations until you plan to actually open them up. Burglars may drive by, see a tree in the window with presents surrounding it and make your home a target while you are away.

Finally, home safety includes checking the exterior of your home frequently. Walk around your home to look for oddities, lock all exterior doors before leaving home, and ensure your garage door is closed every night.

Christmas Lights And Home Safety

Fire hazards increase during the holidays. Before you string lights on the house or the tree, be sure to inspect the strands for frayed cords or cracked lamps. To prevent an accidental fire, replace any broken lamps, and throw away strands with frayed cords.

Home Safety Is a Key Part of Holiday Safety

Plan ahead – home safety considerations are the best way to help avoid potential dangers and ensure a wonderful holiday season.

Johnson Law wishes everyone a Safe and Happy Holiday Season. Johnson Law has been helping injured Alaskans for 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Sources: Safewise: How to Keep Your Home Safe and Secure During the Holidays

Image Source: Anchorage Daily News

History

In the late nineteenth century, activists pushed for a federal holiday recognizing the labor force’s many contributions to America’s strength, prosperity, and well-being. Consequently, the movement created a day of observance towards the end of the 19th century. Eventually, it was designated a federal holiday in 1894. However, the actual founder of Labor Day has never been identified.

Labor Day honors the efforts of individuals who fought in the American labor movement. Additionally, it focuses on their contributions and success in the development of the rights and freedoms of laborers. The labor unions fought for safer working conditions, better wages, and fewer working hours, giving them a better work-life balance. Further, the holiday weekend represents summer’s ending and the beginning of the school year for many Americans.

Labor Day Celebrations

Throughout Alaska, including Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, and the Mat-Su Valley, people mark Labor Day with private and public gatherings. Regardless of how you celebrate Labor Day, please do so safely:

• At holiday parades, stay on the sidewalk and away from the procession;
• At picnics and barbecues, observe and practice fire safety;
• When around holiday fireworks, keep your distance and enjoy from afar;
• Keep a close eye on young children at all times;
• Do not drink and drive.

Stay safe and celebrate Labor Day safely Alaska.

Johnson Law has been serving Alaskans for nearly 30 years. It’s who we are. Call Johnson Law at  (907)277-3090 or use our Contact Form to discuss your serious injury case. We are here to serve you.

And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Info Source: History; AFL-CIO

Photo Source: National Day Calendar

Prepare Your Home

Ensure you prepare your home ahead Spring Break travel. It is a good idea to unplug major electronic items such as computers and televisions before you leave. This will help reduce energy consumption while you are away and protect your electronics in case of power outages.

Store valuable items in a safe place and lock exterior doors and windows to deter intruders. Park your vehicle in a well-lit area or in a garage if you are using it for the trip. Let a neighbor know you are traveling for Spring Break and provide contact information, so they can reach you in an emergency.

College Students Traveling For Spring Break Without The Family

College students may choose to take advantage of the time off to visit home or travel to a popular destination. Spring Break travel for a young college student may be their first time taking a trip without parents. It is important that families communicate about travel plans.

Parents of college students should ask questions. Ask where your child will be staying during their trip and who will be their travel companion. Get names, phone numbers, and addresses ahead of time. Ensure you have a recent photo of your child in case of emergency. Ask your child to regularly check in with you while they are traveling for Spring Break and provide a safe word in case they are in danger. It could save their life.

For students traveling for Spring Break, you can stay safe by being aware of your surroundings, practicing safe drinking, and traveling with friends. 

Spring Break Travel Safety Tips

• Never travel alone
• Share your location with friends and family when traveling for Spring Break
• Stay aware of your surroundings
• Don’t go out alone, especially at night
• Drink responsibly
• Trust your instincts and leave if you feel unsafe
• Lock your hotel door
• Don’t share your room number or location with strangers
• Practice safe driving
• Don’t text while driving

What To Do In Case Of An Injury During The Trip

If you or a family member become injured during Spring Break travel due to someone else’s negligence, you may need to hold the negligent party responsible. Ensure that you take photos of the scene while you are there and gather details immediately. It can be difficult to get information once you leave the location of the incident. 

Whether traveling or spending Spring Break at home, Johnson Law wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable spring season.

Johnson Law has been helping Alaskans for nearly 30 years. It’s who we are.

And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Please call Johnson Law to discuss your case: (907)277-3090 or use our online contact form.

Sources: CBS News; Life 360

Image Source: On Call International

Celebrating New Year’s Eve

New Year’s Eve is a great chance to celebrate the year gone by and the coming of a new one. However, these celebrations also come with great dangers and responsibilities. Here are a few tips to keep in mind as you make your New Year’s Eve plans!

Fireworks

All fireworks, including sparklers and bottle rockets, are illegal in the Municipality of Anchorage and the use of fireworks is punishable with a fine of up to $300.00. 

If you live outside Anchorage and decide to use legal fireworks for your New Year’s Eve celebration, keep children and pets away from the area. Even sparklers, which are often used by kids, burn at temperatures of about 2000 degrees and can be incredibly dangerous. Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose at the ready.

Light fireworks one at a time, then move away from them. Never attempt to re-light a firework that did not go off the first time; douse spent fireworks with plenty of water before discarding them. And of course, never point or throw fireworks at another person.

If You Are Hosting A New Year’s Eve Party

• Offer non-alcoholic drink options and have plenty of water available.
• Use differently colored cups for alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Dump unattended cups so kids and pets do not consume them.
• Provide food and snacks so guests aren’t drinking on an empty stomach.
• Provide snacks throughout the evening.
• Set up tables or eating areas that encourage guests to eat comfortably and reduce over-consuming alcohol.
• Avoid salty snacks, which can actually encourage people to drink more.
• Practice food safety by keeping cold food cold and hot foods hot.
• Do not provide alcohol to minors. Keep an eye on all drinks and supplies.
• Stock all bathrooms with hand soap and disposable towels.
• Wipe down bathroom surfaces throughout the evening to minimize the risk of spreading colds and flu.

As The Party Winds Down

• Have the numbers for reliable transportation services including local taxis, Lyft and Uber.
• Identify a trusted designated driver ready to take guests home if necessary.
• Research numbers for local hospitals and authorities and have them ready in the case of an accident.
• Provide guests a place to stay overnight if needed. Even if accommodations are less than ideal (like a blanket on the floor), they will be safe!

When Attending A Party

• Monitor your health. Do not attend if you have signs of any illness before the party.
• Eat a meal before leaving home in case you aren’t able to eat the food at the party, or if there isn’t any food at the party.
• Again, have the numbers for reliable transportation services including local taxis, Lyft and Uber. Whether for you or other guests, friends don’t let friends drive drunk.

Driving On New Year’s Eve

• Drinking and driving don’t mix. Use a designated driver.
• Leave early, the later it gets in the evening, the higher the chance of a drunk driving related accident.
• If you drive home, let someone know you are heading home, and keep them posted when you arrive home safely.
• Drive extra carefully when heading home and leave extra space between you and other cars just to be safe.
• Never drink and drive.
• If in doubt about your ability to drive, have a sober friend take you home, or take a taxi, Lyft and Uber home.

Walking On New Year’s Eve

New Year’s Eve is also a dangerous night for pedestrians. Not only are drivers potentially impaired, but those on foot can also ignore traffic lights or crosswalks. If you are walking on New Year’s Eve, stay on pedestrian paths and observe traffic laws. Cross at crosswalks and try to remain in well-lit areas. If you are driving, take extra care to consider those on foot.

Whether you spend New Year’s Eve solo, with a small group, or in a larger gathering, celebrate safely Alaska. Ensure you, your family and your friends fully enjoy the arrival of 2025.

From all of us at Johnson Law, P.C., we wish you a safe New Year’s Eve and a Happy New Year

Johnson Law, P.C. has been helping Alaskans for nearly 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Secondary Sources: Municipality of Anchorage; American Safety Council

Image Source: LinkedIn  

Impaired Driving’s Impact On Holiday Road Travel

The National Safety Council predicts that more than 300 people will die in a car crash during the Christmas and New Year holiday road travel season. In 2022, there were more than 13,000 deaths related to drunk-driving accidents or 32 percent of all traffic fatalities. On average, one person died every 39 minutes in an alcohol-impaired driving crash in 2022. 

 A major cause of holiday road travel deaths is impaired driving. Bad weather also causes accidents. When you add drinking, driving and bad weather together, the mixture can be deadly. These dangers led to Proclamation 10866: National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, 2024.

Proclamation 10866 of November 29, 2024

Too many families know the pain of losing a loved one to a drunk or drug-impaired driving accident. Each year, more than 10,000 Americans lose their lives in these preventable tragedies. During National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, we remind everyone that they can save lives by driving only when sober, calling for a ride, planning ahead, and making sure friends and loved ones do the same.

Other Common Factors In Holiday Road Travel Hazards

Distracted Driving: Distracted driving causes traffic crashes when a driver’s focus prevents them from responding to winter driving conditions. Reduce the possibility of accidents during the holiday season, by taking extra precautions and staying focused on the road.

Fatigued Driving: The holiday season is one of the busiest times of the year. Exhausted drivers are at risk of falling asleep while driving, which can increase the risk of traffic accidents during holiday travel.

Peak Travel Periods: The number goes up when holidays fall on a weekend and down when Christmas is in the middle of the week. In other words, when fewer people are on the road, fewer people get hurt. Plan your holiday travel to avoid the last-minute rush. It is also wise to avoid winter driving during busy hours.

Alaska Wildlife Crossing: Unique to Alaska and other northern locations, is large animals, such as moose and caribou, crossing highways. Alaska drivers must always remain alert for large animals crossing Alaska roadways.

Arrive Alive

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration urges everyone to plan a safe ride home and to always wear a seat belt this holiday season. Slow down and leave plenty of room for stopping. Drive with your headlights on!

Never drive under the influence – not even with a “buzz” … Winter driving, or any driving impaired by a substance – whether alcohol or other drugs – legal or illegal – is against the law throughout the United States, including Alaska. If you see an impaired driver on the road, call 911.

From all of us at Johnson Law, P.C., we wish you a safe and happy holiday season.

Johnson Law, P.C. has been helping Alaskans for nearly 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Information Sources: American Automobile Association; National Safety Council; Federal Register; National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; and Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities

Image Source: Alaska Public Media

This Holiday’s History

Celebrating Christmas as a holiday didn’t become popular until the 19th century. It has grown in popularity since the 20th century thanks to a significant cultural icon: Santa Claus. Santa Claus is based on the fourth century Christian Saint Nicholas. The Dutch introduced the legend of St. Nicholas to America in New Amsterdam (now New York City). They also brought with them the tradition of giving gifts and sweets to children on St. Nicholas’ feast day on December 6th each year.

Cartoonist Thomas Nast began drawing depictions of Santa Claus for Harper’s Weekly in 1863. Nast based his drawings off Santa Claus’ description in the Christmas Eve poem “’Twas the Night Before Christmas”. Nast’s drawings captured the world’s imagination and all subsequent depictions of Santa Claus have been based off Nast’s.

Celebrating With Family

Although the last few years brought many changes, there is much to be thankful for in our daily lives. Celebrating with families often include: Baking cookies, watching holiday films, and playing games.

There are also many opportunities in your local area for events that may be right for you and your family during the Christmas holidays.

Helping Others Have  Merry Christmas

The holidays can be one of hardship for some. Many find it rewarding to donate to those in need in your area. There are many ways to give back and support those in need. The Hope Center is always grateful for volunteers.

Helping in person may not be an option, but most organizations accept monetary donations toward their mission as well as other donations which help others such as providing meals to the local food bank or homeless shelter through your local grocery store.

From all of us at Johnson Law, P.C., we wish you a safe and happy holiday season.

Johnson Law, P.C. has been helping Alaskans for nearly 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Secondary Sources: ; History.org; All Events; Alaska.org

Image Source: Public Domain

December Is Safe Toys And Gifts Month 

Be cautious when purchasing new toys for children and never leave young children unsupervised with a new toy. Review the CPSC Recalls list before buying gifts for the children in your life. Review the Safety Education guides before sharing your child’s gift lists with family and friends. Keep all children safe.

Toy safety begins before toys are brought home. It’s important for parents and guardians to be aware of the suggested appropriate age group before allowing a child to play with a toy. Additionally, it’s important to encourage imagination and creativity. Consider gifting toys that promote developmental skills.

Take Precautions

Read the instructions and warnings completely prior to a child playing with a new toy. Be sure the toy doesn’t have any potential hazards that could cause harm. Avoid leaving children unattended when learning how to play with a new toy, especially young children.

Be careful of toys with magnets or batteries. These could cause serious injuries if swallowed. Remove strings, ribbons, tags, and other easily removable pieces from a toy before giving it to a small child. Younger children have an increased risk of choking or becoming tangled.

The CPSC’s Role in Safe Toys for Kids

Thankfully, the CPSC has created a strong toy safety program. This program requires toy testing by independent laboratories around the world. They enforce strict standards and stop the sale of dangerous toys before the toys reach a child. The CPSC lists toy safety and recall alerts on its website. Subscribe to CPSC’s mail alerts. If any holiday toys are recalled, you’ll know.

Tips To Increase Gift and Toy Safety

The National Today website offers the following advice:

1. Inspect Toys Before Buying

Look for sharp points and edges. Check for loose parts. Is the toy tough?  Can a child break, crush or pull the toy apart? Do not give kids toys with ropes, cords, or heating elements. Crayons and markers must be labeled “nontoxic.” Finally, NEVER give small toys with removable magnets or “button” batteries. These can cause serious injury or death if swallowed.

2. Increase Toy Safety By Ensuring the Toy Is Age-Appropriate

Not every toy is meant for every child. Consider the child’s age and development level (most toys offer an age range for guidance). Key Rule: If toy parts fit in a toilet paper roll, they are too small for children under three. Shopping for a child with functional needs? Choose toys that appeal to the senses (sound, light, movement, and texture)

3. Increasing Toy Safety After Gifts are Open

Discard plastic wrap and toy packaging. Keep toys for older children away from younger siblings. Supervise battery charging. Chargers and adapters can cause thermal burns. Some chargers lack a mechanism to avoid overcharging.

4. Share Information About Toy Safety

It’s crucial to share knowledge about unsafe toys with other parents, grandparents, teachers, babysitters, etc. Use the hashtags #unsafetoys and #toysafety on social media to share and learn.

From all of us at Johnson Law, P.C., we wish you a safe and happy holiday season.

Johnson Law, P.C. has been helping Alaskans for nearly 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Sources: Consumer Product Safety Commission; National Today

Image Source: Realityworks

Holiday Events

Many businesses and organizations have holiday events like making decorations, gift exchanges, and holiday parties. There are also many community events, such as public markets and craft fairs. Keep children safe. Be sure to confirm plans with your family of when and where to meet up if you divide the group in a public area. Remind kids to never leave with a stranger.

Be especially careful when gift-giving. Buy only safe toys and gifts.

Be aware of potentially harmful situations, such as dangerous decorations, unstable rides or attractions, slippery walkways, and ice hanging over building entrances. Many young children enjoy climbing onto things, even when told not to. Keep children safe. Warn children of the danger for severe injuries from falls or from objects falling onto them. While most places take care of their sidewalks and entryways, it’s good to show children to be aware of where they are walking and to be cautious of icy conditions.

Keep Children Safe During Outdoor Activities

Winter break is the perfect opportunity for kids to spend time outdoors with friends. Snowball fights, building snowmen and forts, making snow angels, and winter sports are all waiting outside. Keep children safe. Before they run out the door, ensure they’re wearing appropriate clothing and gear. Wearing properly fitting boots, coats, snow-pants, gloves, and hats keep children warm and dry while enjoying the snow.

Also, know your kids’ plan before they leave. Make sure you know who they’re with, what they’re doing, where they’re going, and when they’ll be home.

When participating in winter sports, be sure your child is equipped with protective gear. Keep children safe. Remind your child to always wear a helmet when snowboarding and downhill skiing. Bring children indoors to regularly warm-up after playing outside in the winter to avoid sickness and cold related injuries.

Monitor Temperatures

Children are some of the most at-risk individuals during winter. They love being outside, but with outdoor activities comes danger. While parents generally put their children’s needs first, that is not always the case when children are with others. For instance, at school children should be monitored to ensure they do not get hurt.

In winter, it is even more important to watch children, since temperatures can drop dramatically resulting in hypothermia or frostbite. Keep children safe. It is always a good idea to keep your children in warm areas or near warm areas when they’re playing.

Keep Children Safe From Snowplow Dangers

Another risk to children in the winter is use of snowplows. Alaska’s snowplow operators work hard to make the roads you travel on as safe as possible. Make sure children understand the dangers of snow plows and how to play more safely.

Remind your child to stay away from the roads on days when they are home from school. Keep children safe by ensuring they dress in bright colors and reflective gear to help drivers see them. If they play in the roadways or in snow berms, it’s possible they could be hit by a snowplow.

From all of us at Johnson Law, P.C., we wish you a safe and happy holiday season.

Johnson Law, P.C. has been helping Alaskans for nearly 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Secondary Source: Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities; Mayo Clinic Health System

Image Source: Pack More Into Life

Decorate Safely Outdoors

You already know, Alaska is cold this time of year. When hanging lights or ornaments outside, decorate safely make sure power sources are rated for the colder temperatures. Replace broken bulbs before hanging lights and check cords to make sure there is no damage from storage or the previous season. Remove snow buildup before setting up a ladder and ensure you have a spotter to help in case of emergency. Frost bite is a real concern in Alaska, even if the temperatures rise, wear gloves when hanging decorations and go inside for a break when you start to feel cold.

The weather changes over the course of the season and storms can blow decorations away. If you know a storm is coming, decorate safely by ensuring decorations are tied down or bringing them inside. Things like wreaths or ornaments can blow away with strong winds, posing risks to drivers or animals. If you notice something is missing, do not assume it was stolen. Walk around the exterior of your home to see if you can locate the missing item.

Inspect Decorations To Decorate Safely

Decorate safely – be cautious when opening storage containers as decorations and ornaments may be damaged or broken and can cause injury. Repair or throw away broken ornaments and décor.

Electrical fires are a major concern this time of year. Protect yourself and your home by safely decorating for the holidays.

Check light strands thoroughly for fraying or exposed wires. Both outdoor and indoor light strands can become frayed from use or storage. Decorate safely by replacing old and worn-out light strands to avoid electrical fires.

Decorate Safely – Holiday Trees

Real trees are beautiful and make the house smell amazing. Alaskans have the option of cutting down their own tree, but there are laws in place to protect Alaskan forests. Follow Alaska laws when cutting down a tree. Plan before going out into the forest to cut down a tree. Wear gloves and take a friend (or two) to assist.

Whether buying a tree or cutting your own, choose trees that are healthy and keep the trees well-watered throughout the season. When bringing the tree home, adequately tie the tree to your vehicle so it does not fall off in traffic.

Decorate safely by placing trees in a level, stable location. An unstable tree can tip over and cause injuries. Real trees must be watered regularly so they stay hydrated and reduce the risk of catching fire. Keep holiday trees away from heat sources and candles to avoid potential fires. Never place a tree, real or fake, next to an open flame or heater.

Do not leave lights or decor on constantly. Turn off lights regularly to allow them to cool and prevent fires. Turn tree lights off when not at home.

Keep Children and Pets Safe

Keep small children and pets away from holiday trees when possible so they do not accidentally tip the tree over or cause harm to themselves or others. Explain to children the importance of decorating safely and keeping a distance from holiday decor. This will help prevent injuries. Watch your pets closely and coach them to steer clear of holiday decor.

Johnson Law, P.C. wishes you and yours a peaceful, healthy and safe holiday season.

Johnson Law, P.C. has been helping Alaskans for nearly 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Please call Johnson Law, P.C. to discuss your case: (907)277-3090 or use our online contact form.

Secondary Sources: Alaska Public Information Center

Image Source: Kirkland’s Home