Tips for Safe Holiday Decorating
When putting up your holiday decorations this year, keep these safety tips in mind:
Trees and Decorations:
* Use an artificial tree that is labeled “Fire Resistant.” Live trees should be fresh and green. The needles should be hard to pull from the branches, are not falling off and don’t break easily. You should see some resin from the bottom of the tree.
* Place the tree away from fireplaces, radiators and other sources of heat. Keep live trees well-watered.
* Use non-combustible or flame-resistant materials, such as tinesel or artificial icicles, to trim a tree. Leaded materials are hazardous if ingested by children.
* In homes with small children, avoid sharp or breakable decorations and trimmings that resemble candy or food. Keep decorations with small removable parts out of the reach of children.
Lights:
* Use lights that have thicker wiring and that have safety fuses to prevent the wires from overheating.
* Check each set of lights for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. Throw out damaged sets.
* If using an extension cord, make sure it is rated for the intended use (indoor or outdoor).
* Never use electric lights on a metallic tree. The tree can become charged with electricity from faulty lights, and a person touching a branch could be electrocuted.
* Turn off all holiday lights when you go to bed or leave the house. The lights could short out and start a fire.
Candles:
* Keep burning candles within sight, away from children and pets, and away from items that can catch fire, such as decorations and curtains.
* Always use non-flammable holders and keep away from children and pets.
via CPSC / Insurance NewsNet; image via Cards Unlimited
Tags: holiday safety, holiday decor, safe holiday decorating, housekeeping, homemaking
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POSTED IN: Home Decor, Safety at Home
1 opinion for Tips for Safe Holiday Decorating
Tracee Sioux
Nov 29, 2007 at 6:09 pm
Two great ideas I’ve heard this season
- superglue the ornament hook to the tree so kids and cats don’t keep pulling them off.
- recycle small toys by putting an ornament hook on them and hanging them on the tree.
Fa La la la la la
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