2018 is just around the corner and we all know what comes before that – the holiday season! It does not matter how you celebrate Christmas, the fact remains that we are all excited for this time of year. The spirit of giving, the intoxicating smell of Christmas in the air and happy, cheerful faces everywhere you look. With these signs coming with the holiday season, how could you not be excited? Of course, with all the excitement going on around you, decorating your house while thinking of safety may be one of the last things on your mind. However, that should not be the case. The last thing we want is to celebrate the holiday season in the emergency room, right?
Fortunately, we are here to help you be safe during the holidays. Here are some tips to keep in mind while you are decorating your humble abode:
– Keep live trees away from any heat sources. Live trees are highly flammable and should be kept away from fireplaces and heaters. Always keep a fire extinguisher near the tree just in case.
– Keep your tree well hydrated. A dried-out tree can catch a fire faster compared to a tree that is properly watered.
– Be careful in buying artificial Christmas trees. If you are not a fan of using a live tree for Christmas, make sure that the artificial tree you are buying is labeled as “fire-resistant”. Fire-resistant trees are less likely to catch fire.
– Help each other out. If you need to make use of a ladder when hanging Christmas lights, make sure that someone else is holding the base to keep it from tilting.
– Avoid electrical cord damage. Keep in mind that using nails or tacks in mounting the lights can potentially damage the cords. Use hooks or insulated staples instead.
– Turn the lights out before turning in. Make sure that you power down before going to bed or before leaving the house. This could help prevent in starting an electrical short that could end up in a fire hazard.
– Keep the candles secured. Make sure that live candles should have a sturdy base to keep it from tipping over. Also, it is always wise to put them out before sleeping or leaving the house.
– Avoid fake foods. We all know that buying fake candy or food decorations can really add up to the holiday vibe you are going for. However, this might not be a good idea if you have young children or pets in the house.
