During the year-end holidays, prevent accidents by following simple tips for trees and decorations.
When planning to decorate a home or apartment for the holidays, always place safety at the top of the list. Choose a Christmas tree carefully. Proper care for live and artificial trees, along with safety checks for lights, decorations and candles, will prevent accidents and possibly a fire.
Christmas Tree Care
- For artificial trees, purchase only those that are flame retardant. For a real tree, make sure it has fresh green needles that aren't easily broken.
- Keep live trees as moist as possible. Water them daily. After bringing a live tree home, cut about one or two inches off the bottom of the trunk. This will allow the tree to soak up water to keep it fresh. Use a sturdy tree stand that will not tip.
- Keep trees away from heat sources such as fireplaces, portable heaters, radiators, heat vents and candles. Trees should be at least three feet away from all heat sources.
- Never smoke near a tree and never drop or flick cigarette ashes nearby. Never put tree branches or needles into a fireplace or wood-burning stove.
- After the holiday, don’t leave a dried-out tree in a house or garage and don’t place the tree near the house or garage. Either place the entire tree at the curb for sanitation pick-up, or cut it up and place it in the trash. Another option is to dispose trees at recycling centers.
Holiday Lights and Decorations Safety
- Make sure lights, indoor and out, are approved for use by authorized testing organizations. Certifications should be apparent on the package.
- Inspect decorative lights each time you decorate. Look for frayed wires, bare spots, broken or cracked sockets and excessive kinking or wear.
- Avoid overloading electrical outlets. Don’t link more than three light strands of lights into a socket. Be careful with extension cords. Make sure they are in excellent condition and are used properly. Always unplug holiday lights before leaving home or going to bed.
- Use only flame-resistant or flame-retardant decorations inside and outside the home.
Proper Use of Holiday Candles
- Place candles where they cannot be reached or easily knocked over by children and pets, and always extinguish candles before leaving a room or going to bed. Never use real candles to decorate a tree. Even if they aren’t lit, the wicks and wax can attract sparks.
- Keep candles at least three feet away from trees, evergreens, holiday decorations, and other items that can catch fire, such as clothing, papers and curtains. Use candle holders that are sturdy, won't tip over easily, are made from non-flammable materials and are large enough to collect dripping wax.
- Never use glass holders for candles. They can shatter and explode from the heat of a candle flame.
The copyright of the article Trim the Tree and String the Lights Carefully in Seasonal Home Maintenance is owned by Mike Virgintino. Permission to republish Trim the Tree and String the Lights Carefully in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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