Simple Safety Tips for Holiday Decorations

The holiday season is in full swing. It's time to hang the lights, decorate the tree, put on some Christmas music, and embrace the spirit of the season.

Holiday decorations like Christmas trees, holiday lights and candles can really make the season special, it's important exercise some simple safety tips to eliminate potential hazards.

Christmas Tree Safety

Christmas trees are one of the center pieces of the holidays. They are important symbols, attractive decorations, and a place where we gather to create memories and exchange gifts.

It's important to take some simple steps to prevent trees from becoming fire hazards. According to the US Fire Administration, Christmas trees account for 250 fires a year and $13.8 million dollars in property damage.

Here are some tips to follow when caring for your tree:

Water the tree.

- If many needles fall off a tree when bouncing the trunk on the ground, the tree is too dry.
Needles on fresh trees are green and hard to pull back from the branches.
- Cut one to two inches off the base of the tree before placing it in the stand.
- Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times.
- A tree up longer than two weeks has the potential to dry out.
- Don't place trees close to a heat source.
- Heat will dry out the tree over time and open flames will ignite the tree.

Turn off lights.

- Turn off lights when leaving the home or going to bed.
- Never go near a Christmas tree with an open flame - lighters, candles or matches.
- If you have an artificial tree, check to ensure it is flame retardant.

Holiday Light Safety

When it comes to holiday lights, it seems like "the more, the merrier" is appropriate. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation's character, Clark W. Griswold, would certainly agree with that. But, it's best not to follow Clark's lead when it comes to installation.

Exercise care when hanging and using holiday lights.

Without proper care, lights can potentially be a fire hazard.

Some tips for hanging lights:

- Don't work on a ladder unless you have to. Put together a kit with stainless steel hooks and
zip ties for installation.
- Use lights that have the label from an independent testing laboratory.
- Use LED lights if possible. They are low wattage and safer.
- Inspect and replace strings of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections.
- Do not overload electrical outlets. Do not link more than three light strands, unless
instructions indicate it's safe. Wires should not be warm to the touch. It's best to have a
plan and map out your light placement.
- Do not leave lights unattended.
- Keep lights away from heat vents.
- In general, use nonflammable and fire retardant decorations.

Candle Safety

Candle light and smell can transform the atmosphere of a room into a warm and peaceful sanctuary. And while the appealing smells and sights can make them seem harmless, but it's important to remember that a candle is an open flame that can easily ignite anything that can burn.

Some tips for candle use and care:

- Keep candles at least three feet away from anything that can burn.
- Keep lit candles out of reach of children or pets.
- Keep matches/lighters out of sight and reach of children.
- Never leave children or pets alone with a lit candle.
- Keep candles within sight and blow out all candles before leaving a room or going to
sleep.
- Trim candle wicks to ¼ inch before burning each time.
- Keep the candle pool free of debris like trimmings or match sticks.
- Use stable candle holders that are heat resistant.
- Use hurricane glass to contain the open flame.
- Use battery powered LED candles whenever possible.

For more information on candle safety, go to the National Candle Association website at www.candles.org.

Always practice a Home Fire Escape Plan.