It's that time of year again. And while we are filling our homes with joy and holiday spirit, it's easy for us to forget about the potential safety hazards that come with the festivities.
The holidays should be a magical time for everyone, yet every year over 8,000 adults and children find themselves in emergency rooms being treated for injuries related to holiday lights, fires, and Christmas trees. Unfortunately, we can't help you with the fights. But we can give you tips to make sure an accident doesn't spoil all your fun.
Fire Safety Tips
Fire hazards are plentiful during the holiday season. The stove doing double duty for the holiday dinner, the fireplace blazing through the evening – not to mention that big flammable tree in the corner of the living room.
With so many flames and burners going, here are some tips for reducing the risk of a fire during the holidays.
Candles
- Place every candle in a non-tippable candle holder
- Keep lit candles away from the curtains, the Christmas tree, and out of the reach of children and pets
- Never leave a lit candle unattended
- Snuff each candle out before going to bed or leaving the house
The Fireplace
- Keep the screen in place to contain sparks and embers
- Never leave a lit fireplace unattended
- Keep anything flammable, including wrapped presents, away from the fireplace
- Test your carbon monoxide detector and replace the batteries if needed
Other Fire Safety Tips
- Be careful not to overload electrical units with too many lights, decorations, and extra kitchen appliances
- Keep a working fire extinguisher close at hand
- Test all your smoke detectors and replace them or their batteries if needed
(Learn about Fire Extinguisher Classifications: What They Mean and Why They Matter)
Decorative Lights Safety Tips
Stringing decorative lights can create a beautiful display, especially as the days get shorter and the evenings become darker. But of course, getting those lights up can be rather risky. So, here are a few things to remember when you're jazzing up the exterior of your house.
Be Careful on that Ladder
First and foremost, choose your ladder carefully. It should be long enough to allow you to reach the spot you want to decorate without having to reach or stretch out far.
If you're using a stepladder, make sure the spreaders and shelf are fully opened. Check the stability before climbing on it. If you can't get both feet on it firmly or if the step is slippery with ice, fix the issue before stepping up.
If it's a portable ladder you need, be sure to always maintain three points of contact while on it. Never sit or stand on the pail shelf – it might look like the right size, but it's simply not designed to hold the weight of a person. And avoid overreaching. If you need more reach, it's time to climb down and move the ladder. That might seem more time consuming, but nothing with put a dent in your plans like tipping the ladder or giving yourself a muscle injury.
Lights and Extension Cords
- Check the wiring on lights and extension cords, do not use them if you see fraying, cracked insulation, or other signs of damage
- Unplug any cord that feels warm to the touch after being in use for a while, since this could indicate that the cord is defective
- Position extension cords carefully to avoid creating a tripping hazard
- Only use indoor lights indoors, and outdoor lights outdoors
- Don't use nails or staples to hang cords or lights, as this can damage the insulation protecting the wires inside them
- Never remove the ground pin, as it is meant to prevent electrical shock
- Do not overload electrical circuits
- Turn off all lights before going to bed or leaving the house to prevent them from shorting out and starting a fire
(Learn more in Power and Extension Cord Safety)
Christmas Tree Safety Tips
Displaying and decorating a Christmas tree is a cornerstone of many families' holiday traditions. But when you're dealing with something that big, there are bound to be some safety concerns.
If you're going artificial, the main safety step is simply to read the label and make sure it's fire resistant.
If you're going natural, however, there's a lot more to consider.
Selecting and Setting Up your Tree
- If purchasing a pre-cut tree, pick out a really fresh one that won't dry out too quickly and become a fire hazard (to check, give it a shake – the drier the tree, the more needles will fall)
- Cut at least an inch off the tree trunk to encourage the tree to absorb more water, reducing its flammability
- Place your tree in a sturdy stand with at least three liters of water
- Check the water level every day and water the tree as needed
- Place your tree at least three feet from the fireplace, heating vents, and other sources of heat
Trimming the Tree
- Decorate your tree with flame-resistant or non-flammable decorations
- Avoid metallic ornaments (they can become shock hazard if they come into contact with defective wiring)
- Avoid using spray-on snow with glass wool (also known as "angel hair"), since it can be highly combustible
Have a Safe and Happy Holiday Season
The holidays are a special time of year, but it's also a season that's heavy on accidents. So follow the steps in this guide to keep your spirits high and your incidents low!