12 Holiday Safety Tips for the 12
Days of Christmas
The holiday season is upon us. For many people, this means planning for holiday celebrations, buying gifts and decorating for the season.
When it comes to holiday decorations at home, however, being aware of some of the risks that can arise can help you avoid an electrical fire, a Christmas tree fire or other hazards that could ruin your holidays – or worse yet, cause you or your loved one serious harm.
So, for the 12 days of Christmas, here are 12 holiday safety tips to keep in mind as you decorate for the season:
- When putting up your tree, place it away from fireplaces, furnaces or other sources of heat. Heat can dry out a tree, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Avoid putting trees up in a highly trafficked walkways or by a doorway. For taller trees, consider securing them with wire to ensure they won’t topple over (especially when you start adding decorations to them).
- Before placing lights on your Christmas tree, check each strand to make sure it does not have any fraying, worn or broken wires.
- Do not hang flammable decorations on Christmas trees, and don’t hang lights on metallic trees.
- When putting lights up on your tree or in/around your home, avoid hooking up more than 3 strands to a single extension cord.
- When hanging Christmas lights outside (or taking the lights down), be sure to use a sturdy ladder that is squarely placed on the ground. Also, maintain three points of contact with the ladder at all times.
- If your Christmas decorations involve candles, make sure to place these candles away from trees, curtains or anything flammable.
- Before leaving your home or going to bed, turn off the lights on your Christmas tree.
- Don’t forget to replenish the water for your Christmas tree (if you have a live one) every few days or so.
- If decorating with artificial snow, be sure to read the directions first and follow them closely. Artificial snow can cause lung irritation if it is not appropriately used.
- Do not burn wrapping paper or old Christmas trees in fireplaces within your home. These materials can rapidly engulf in flames, increasing the risk of flames shooting out of the fireplace area.
- Make a plan now for what to do if a fire or another emergency arises at home. Share this plan with everyone in your home so everyone is prepared.
Do you have other holiday safety tips that you live by? If so, share them with us on Facebook & Google+.
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