From the gifts and the parties, to time with family and friends – it’s the most wonderful time of the year! No matter how you celebrate the holiday season, it is likely you will do some decorating to make your home more festive.
Putting up the holiday decorations is one of our most anticipated and beloved traditions. Twinkling lights, trees and wreaths can transform your living space and put you in the spirit of the season, but can also pose a safety risk. This year, be sure take a few extra moments to ensure that you and your family stay safe through the new year.
Tips for Safe Holiday Decorating
Did You Know? The US Consumer Product Safety Commission has estimated that approximately 15,000 injuries related to holiday decorating happen annually, with an average of 250 people headed to the ER daily during November and December.
Correct Installation: Be sure to read the directions for any new electrical decorations, in order to make sure you install everything correctly. Use clips to attach lights to gutters or outside the house – never nail or tack an electrical wire when hanging lights.
Light Safety: Inspect the strands of lights from previous years. Look for frayed wires of broken sockets. If a strand of lights is damaged, it is best to discard it. Lights should be “UL” approved, which indicates that your lights have been inspected for maximum safety. Be aware that lights are rated for indoor or outdoor use – never use indoor lights on the exterior of hour home. Indoor lights should not come in contact with curtains, furniture or carpets. All lights should be turned off if you are going to bed. Use timers if you will be away from home.
Power Safety: Be sure to keep power cords away from high-traffic areas, and be sure the cord is free from kinks or tangles. Be sure to only use heavy-duty extension cords, and if exterior decorating, use only those cords rated for outdoor use. It is recommended that no more than three sets of lights per cord. If possible, when powering inflatable devices outdoors, plug cords into ground fault conductor interrupter (GFCI) outlets. This can greatly reduce the chances of electric shock.
Climbing Ladders: If climbing on ladders, be sure to have someone hold the ladder steady to ensure it doesn’t tip over. When outside, be sure that the ladder is clear of any power lines and is safely balanced. Never climb on the top rung of a ladder. Use heavy-duty extension cords, and only use cords outdoors if they are designated for outdoor use. Avoid overloading extension cords by using no more than three sets of standard lights per cord.
Christmas Trees: Keep live trees well hydrated, and away from fireplaces, heaters and candles. If you choose to display a fake tree, make sure it is labeled “fire resistant”.
Candles: We love the ambiance which candlelight adds to our holiday vibe, but it goes without saying that any fire poses a safety risk. Be sure that candles are never left unattended, that children and pets cannot reach them, and that candles are extinguished before bedtime.
Child Safety: Never leave children alone in the presence of lit candles, and make sure cords are out of easy reach. Safely secure sharp objects (such as ornament hooks), and hang breakable or glass ornaments high enough on the tree so as to elude their grasp.
Pet Safety: One of the most iconic Christmas decorations is the poinsettia plant. Unfortunately, these bright flowers are attractive to your pet, and can make them very sick. And just like small children, pets should be kept way from wires, cords, ornaments, or candles which they may be tempted to investigate. Decorations which look like fake food may also pose a danger.
Taking proper precautions will help to ensure that you and your family have a happy and safe holiday season. As an extra precaution, be sure that your home insurance and fire insurance is up-to-date and provides sufficient coverage. While we sincerely hope you will never need it, having the added protection in place can allow you to enjoy your holidays with peace of mind.
Anderson & Associates Insurance Group wishes you a beautiful holiday season.
