Decorate Safe During The Holidays
AAA
Decorating your home indoors and out is a longstanding tradition during the holiday season—but it also comes with risks. Every year, hospital emergency rooms treat nearly 13,000 people who become injured by faulty lights and other decorations, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Playing it safe when decorating your home can make the difference between a joyous season and one of tragedy.
Here are some tips to help you prevent holiday mishaps:
- Keep décor away from heat sources. Indoor lights should not touch drapes, furniture or carpeting, and candles should be placed away from flammable items. Live trees should not be near fireplaces or heaters.
- Take care of your tree. Buy live trees that are fresh and green, and water them regularly to keep them hydrated. If you choose an artificial tree, make sure it is labeled as “fire-resistant.” Never use electric lights on a metallic tree.
- Don’t throw wrapping paper in the fireplace. Paper is highly flammable and can cause flash fires. Instead, recycle your wrapping paper or save it to be reused. Place a screen around your fireplace to prevent sparks from igniting flammable materials.
- Double-check your lights. Check your lights for frays and cracks, and make sure there is a bulb in every socket. Discard or replace any damaged strands.
- Power down before bedtime. Turn off all lights before you go to bed, and set timers if you will be away from home, to prevent a short that could cause an electrical fire.
