It seems like only yesterday we were stringing up skeletons and carving pumpkins for All Hallows’ Eve, but if the Christmas aisles and holiday tunes in the stores are any indication, now is the time to start considering your own holiday decorations.
While we hope your holiday season is festive and bright, we also want you to play it safe.
Tree Tips
Is there anything that evokes the holiday season more than the scent of a pine tree? When you’re ready to get your own, make the live tree you choose is fresh. Needles should be hard to pull away from branches, and don’t break when you bend them between your fingers. The trunk of a fresh tree should be sticky with resin, and when tapped on the ground the tree shouldn’t lose many needles.
If you opt for an artificial tree, the label should read “fire resistant.” Though this doesn’t necessarily mean the product won’t catch fire, it will indicate that the tree should resist burning and will extinguish quickly.
Trees and decorations should always be placed well away from fireplaces, radiators, and any other open flames. As heated rooms can dry out a live tree rapidly, always be sure to keep the stand filled with water.
To avoid trips and falls, and knocking over a decorated tree, place the tree out of heavily trafficked areas and away from doorways.
Lighting Tips
Whether you opt for a simple string of elegant white lights or like to light up the night with your dramatic Christmas displays, safety first!
Indoors or outside, you should only use light strands that have been tested for safe use and conform to safety standards.
Though it may seem tedious, check each set of lights – new or old – for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. Throw out any sets that are damaged, and always replace burned-out bulbs with the same wattage of bulbs.
Never use electric lights on a metallic tree. The tree may become charged with electricity from faulty lights and cause electrocution.
Before hanging your outdoor lights, check to be sure they have been certified for outdoor use.
Keep decorations well away from power or feeder lines that lead from utility poles into older homes.
Securely fasten outdoor lights to trees, walls or other firm supports to protect strands from wind damage. Use insulated staples, as opposed to nails or tacks, to hold strings in place, or run them through hooks.
All outdoor lights should be plugged into ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) receptacle. A GFCI detects an abnormal current flow to ground and opens the circuit, preventing a hazardous situation.
Don’t forget to turn off all holiday lights when you go to bed or leave the house, to avoid shorts and potential fires. Consider hooking lights up to smart timer for ease of use.
Child Safety
Little people love sparkly, shiny things but you can easily keep them from harming themselves. Avoid using sharp, heavy or breakable decorations when you have small children running around, and keep those decorations that have small, removable parts out of their reach. Little kids like to put things in their mouths, so avoid small decorations that look like candy or food so that small children aren’t tempted to snack on them.
Fire Safety
Cold nights feel warmer when candles and fire places are set a glow, but untended flames can be dangerous. Only light candles in rooms that are in regular use, and keep lit candles where you can see them. Don’t forget to blow them out before going to bed or leaving the room or house.
Keep candles on a stable, heat-resistant surface where children and pets can’t reach or knock them over.
By taking a few simple precautions you can ensure your family enjoys a safe, happy season. Happy Holidays!
