Top Ten Tips for Safer Holidays

Top 10 Tips for Safer Holidays

 The holiday season for most people are super busy trying to get everything done :  shopping for gifts, planning a family event, getting the house ready with lights and trees, the dreaded climbing in the attic for the decorations (one that I truly do not enjoy).  The last thing we need for the holidays is an unexpected mishap like a fire or injury.  Fires cause more than $18 million in property damage and holiday decorating injuries send more than 13,000 to the emergency room.  Help keep your family safe this season with these quick, simple steps.

1. Water, water, water your tree.
   Dry trees pose a fire risk – make a fresh cut on the base before putting your tree into a sturdy stand, and water frequently.
2. Check your lights, check them twice.
   Inspect all of your electric lights and decorations for damage or wear. Cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires and loose connections may pose a fire or shock hazard.
3. Plan your fire escape.
   Use the holidays as a good time to practice a fire escape plan with your loved ones. Identify at least two exits from every room in the house.
4. Sleep safe: Install carbon monoxide alarms.
   Be sure that at least one carbon monoxide alarm is installed on each floor of your home, and always close to sleeping areas.
5. Be flame aware.
   Always blow out unattended candles and teach your children to stay away from lit candles or fireplaces.  Get chimney inspected.
6. Give wrapping paper a second life. 
   Don’t burn used wrapping paper as it may cause intense flash fires. And throwing it out adds waste. Consider recycling or repurposing it instead.
7. Check extension cords.
   Do not connect more than three miniature light strings together. Also, be sure to check the rating on your extension cords and do not plug in more than the recommended wattage.
8. Steer your tree clear.
   Your tree should be positioned at least three feet away from fireplaces, radiators and other heat sources. It should also not block any doorways or exits.
9. Decorate with a safe eye.
   Cords should not be run under carpets or tacked-up with metal nails or staples. Small decorations can be choking hazards so keep them out of the reach of toddlers.
10. Look for UL.
    The UL mark on a product means that samples of that product have been tested to the highest safety standards. Make sure to look for it to help keep your holidays safe and bright.