Holiday Decorating Safety Tips
Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree
- Finding that perfect tree is the hallmark of the Christmas season. So, don't let your vision of a beautiful balsam fir go up in flames! Christmas tree fires cause an average of $18.3 million of property damage each year. Yikes! Let's minimize that risk!
- Purchase a fresh tree (one that is not already showing signs of drying out) by checking for needles that resist being pulled off and do not snap when bent.
- Also check for a trunk bottom that's sticky with resin, and strong limbs that will drop just a few needles if shaken.
- Once you get your tree home, make sure it stays hydrated by checking the water level daily. A dried out tree can catch fire quicker than one that is properly watered.
- Never put a live tree near a fireplace or other heating source, and always keep a fire extinguisher close by. Even fake trees can pose a fire hazard, so make sure you purchase a “fire resistant” tree to minimize the risk.
- Always make sure lights are plugged into a proper GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlet, and turn off Christmas lights on your tree before going to bed or leaving your home.
Light the Menorah:
- Always place candles far away from curtains, bedding, paper, walls or other combustible material.
- Be sure to extinguish candles before going to bed or leaving your house.
- Flameless LED tea lights or candles are a great option for safe, beautiful candlelight in your home.
Up on the Housetop:
- Never hang lights or decorations on your roof (or other areas requiring a ladder) alone. Always use a ladder that stands at least 3 feet higher than the area you are working on, and make sure ladders are on level, firm ground.
- Check lights to see if they are designated “inside and out” or “for indoor use only.” Are your lights (for indoor and outdoor use) safe? Check for cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, and loose connections. If lights are damaged, don’t risk it. Replace them.
- Check electrical cords to make sure they are in safe, working condition as well, and make sure to follow manufacturer guidelines for power strips so that you are not overloading circuits. Secure cords inside and out to avoid tripping over cords.
Silver Bells:
- Place breakable or fragile ornaments high on your tree, and place non-breakables lower on the tree so children or pets can't ruin that family heirloom, or worse, injure themselves. Replace metal hooks with plastic or ribbon on ornaments within reach of little ones.
You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch:
- We hate to be a Grinch, but live poinsettias (while beautiful) are also poisonous if ingested. Make sure live ones are placed where pets and children cannot access them, or purchase fake ones to use year after year.
Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer:
- Never consume alcoholic beverages while working on a ladder or roof, or when driving home on Christmas Eve!
- Happy Holidays! www.AFI.org