One of the most enjoyable parts of the holiday season is decorating your home. Protect your home and family this holiday season with these five decoration safety tips:
1. Choose Fire-Resistant Decorations
Be smart about the decorations you choose to showcase. Decorations made from paper, lace or fabric may often be flammable. Display these decorations away from any heat source, including candles, holiday lights and the fireplace, says the National Safety Council (NSC). If you have an artificial holiday tree, you may want to confirm it is labeled as fire-resistant before decorating, adds the NSC.
2. Consider Battery-Operated LED Candles
Open-flamed candles can be a fire hazard. Instead, consider using battery-operated LED candles and never go near a tree or wreath with a lit candle, lighter or match, says the NSC.
3. Don’t Overload Your Extension Cords
Never plug in more than three light strings into one extension cord, says the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Also, always unplug lights when you are not home and turn off the lights when you’re going to bed, adds the CPSC.
4. Keep Your Tree Fresh
Dried-out holiday trees can be a major fire hazard in your home, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). When selecting your tree, it should be sticky to the touch and when shaken, minimal needles will fall, adds the NFPA. This helps ensure that your tree is fresh. Be sure and place it at least 3 feet away from a heat source to help prevent your tree from drying out too fast, says the NFPA. The NFPA also recommends you water your tree daily.
5. Don’t Block the Exit
Remember, in the event of a fire, every second matters. Make sure that your holiday decorations don’t block doors or otherwise hinder your ability to quickly and safely exit your home.
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