Christmas is a time for joy, celebration, and beautiful decorations. But as we deck the halls, it's crucial to prioritize safety to prevent accidents and fires. Follow these simple tips from Balsam Hill to ensure your home remains a safe and festive haven for everyone to enjoy.
Artificial Christmas Trees
- Choose a fire-retardant Christmas tree: Quality trees from reputable brands like Balsam Hill are treated with fire-retardant material to make them less of a fire risk than real foliage.
- Secure your tree: A wobbly tree is a danger to children and pets. Use a sturdy stand and situate your tree away from heat sources and high-traffic areas.
- Check pre-lit trees early: Set up your tree ahead of the season to ensure all lights are working properly. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions on proper assembly and tree setup.
Ornaments
- Choose with care: For families with pets and small children, consider ornaments made from felt and wood instead of metal or glass.
- Inspect décor before use: Ahead of the holiday season, take out your ornaments and check them for breakage or other damage.
- Keep decorations away from heat sources: Paper, fabric, or plastic decorations should be kept away from fireplaces, heaters, and radiators.
Christmas Lights & Candles
- Check lights: Inspect for broken bulbs, frayed wires, and other signs of damage before use. Discard worn-out lights and opt for new ones for safety.
- Use LED candles: Mimic the cozy glow of candlelight more safely with battery-operated candles.
- Consider foot traffic: Avoid extension cords and wires cluttering up walkways. Tape them closer to the wall or situate your lighted décor as close to sockets as possible to avoid tripping hazards.
Outdoor Holiday Décor
- Use the right lights: Ensure you use lights rated for outdoor use, as they are crafted to withstand the elements.
- Observe proper use of electrical materials: Don’t overload sockets and extension cords. Unplug all décor when not in use.
- Have a fire extinguisher handy: There should always be one rated for electrical and general fires, both inside and outside your home.
- Mind the elements: Be extra careful with climbing ladders and roofs when it is especially icy or snowy. It’s best to decorate earlier, before the weather gets unpredictable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Safety Tips for Christmas Decorating?
When decorating for the holidays, always inspect lights and decorations for damage like frayed wires or cracked edges before use. Remember to keep decorations, especially those made of flammable materials, away from all heat sources. Keep lighted and delicate décor away from children and animals.
What Are Some Safety Tips for Holiday Shopping?
When shopping in stores, stay aware of your surroundings and avoid carrying large amounts of cash. For online shopping, only use secure websites and double-check payment portal privacy policies to protect your personal and financial information.
What Are the Safety Tips for Holiday Cooking?
A common source of home fires is the kitchen, so never leave cooking food unattended. To prevent fires, be sure to keep flammable items like oven mitts and towels away from your stovetop and other heat sources. Before the holiday season, inspect your oven and other electrical appliances for damage and ensure their working order in anticipation of heavy use.
What Are the Safety Tips for Fires in December?
In December, cooking, candles, and overloaded electrical sockets are often causes of home fires. Be extra vigilant when cooking and never leave candles unattended or near anything flammable. Make sure your lighted holiday decorations are working properly and always unplug them when not in use.
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