Avoid Holiday Decorating Disasters

Holiday Decorating Disasters to Avoid

We are heading into that time of year when houses transform into displays of loving holiday crafts and beautiful decorations. While many enjoy decorating for the holidays, it’s important to consider what you display and how you display it, in order to keep loved ones and guests safe. Nothing will ruin your holiday faster than disasters that could have been prevented. The following are a few thoughts to keep in mind as you warm up your home with beautiful "disaster free" displays for the holidays:

Trees:

Fresh trees:

• Choose a tree that has green needles that resist being pulled off from the branches or bending between fingers.
• Cut w 2-inch diagonal piece off of the bottom of the tree trunk. This will help the tree to absorb water.
• Place in a sturdy stand at least 3 feet away form heat sources such as heating vents and fireplaces.
• Make sure that you tree stand is able to hold water. REFILL it Daily!
• Leave your tree inside for no longer than two-weeks. If you leave it in longer it will dry out and become highly flammable.

Artificial Trees:

• If you purchase an artificial tree, look for “fire resistant” on its label.
• Avoid displaying trees next to fireplaces, heating ducts, or radiators.

Regardless of the type of tree you decorate with, keep them out of the way from high foot-traffic areas and doorways. Delicate and highly breakable ornaments should be toward the top of the tree, making it more difficult for little hands or paws to get to them. Unbreakable and non-toxic ornaments should hang on the lower part of the tree.

Lighting & Decorating:

• Only buy electrical decorations that have a UL rating on the label, which indicates that they have been tested for safe use
• Follow all installation and usage instructions for lighting decorations to ensure that you are not increasing your chance of starting a fire
• Inspect new and used lights before using them and discard any that have cracks, exposed wires or loose connections. Replace any bulbs that are missing
• Do not connect more than three sets of lights to an extension cord at one time.
• Plug outside lighting only into a ground fault circuit interrupting (GFCI) outlet, as this will safeguard the outlet from any interaction with water
• Do not secure outside lights with staples or nails, and avoid placing indoor extension cords under carpeting, rugs and furniture
• Unplug lighting decorations before going to bed and leaving the house

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