…Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la la, la. Let the decorating begin.
Pull out those tangled strands of lights and boxes of ornaments passed down
through the years. Set up the tree, roll out the ribbon, light up the candles.
Most of all? BE SAFE. The hidden dangers of holiday decorating can take quite a
toll and that’s not jolly.
These statistics from both the Consumer Product Safety
Commission and the Electrical Safety Foundation International give some food
for thought. It is estimated that 76 percent of Americans decorate
their homes during the holiday season. And, each year, hospital emergency rooms treat about
12,500 people for injuries such as falls, cuts, and shocks related to holiday
lights, electrical decorations and Christmas trees. Hmmm.
Before you set out to replicate Clark Griswold’s display of
25,000 twinkling lights, here are some safety reminders to consider. Check
everything prior to use. Check lights for frayed cords, broken bulbs and bad
plugs. Indoor bulbs are for indoor use and outdoor bulbs are for outdoor use.
Seems simple enough, right? Avoid electrical overload – no more than three
standard-size sets of lights per extension cord. Use only lights tested by a
nationally recognized testing laboratory. Before climbing up on that ladder,
make sure it is on secure and level footing. Always have a buddy system; use
caution. Falls do not a jolly experience make.
Live trees should be fresh – green, with needles hard to
pull for the branches and the bottom of the tree should be sticky with resin.
Monitor water levels, keep out of high traffic areas and away from any heat
source – fireplaces, vents, radiators. Artificial trees should be labeled “fire
resistant”. Keep children and pets safe. Small pieces and parts ornaments can
be choking hazards. Holly, mistletoe, poinsettias and other seasonal plants can
be toxic if ingested.
Did you know that Christmas, Christmas Eve and New Year’s
Day are the top three days of the year for candle fires? Never leave a burning
candle unattended, keep them on stable, heat-resistant surfaces and away from
items that can easily catch fire.
These are just a few tips to consider for a safer holiday. Now
go deck those halls! Happy Holidays!
Posted by MJ Thomas
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