Holiday Safety - Important Tips to Follow

The holiday season is a festive and joyous occasion. However, it's also a dangerous part of the year; over 400 lives are claimed, more than 1,600 injuries occur, and over $990 million in property damage is lost. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, taking simple, common-sense, life-saving steps will help ensure a safe and happy holiday. By taking some easy precautions, residents can greatly reduce their chances of becoming a holiday fire casualty.

Lighting Safety Tips

• Look for Underwriters Laboratories label on all holiday light sets to ensure UL standards are met.
• Buy lighting sets according to indoor use, outdoor use, or both.
• Before attaching lights, check for fraying wires, damaged sockets, or cracked insulation. If defects are found, replace the entire set.
• To minimize fire and shock danger, make sure a bulb is in each socket. If a bulb burns out, leave it in and unplug the light set--then replace the bulb.
• Don't connect more light strings than the manufacturer recommends.
• Keep indoor extension cords and lights away from water.
• All outdoor cords, plugs, and sockets must be weatherproof.

Christmas Tree and Holiday Decorations Safety Tips

• Do not place your tree close to a heat source, including a fireplace or heating vent.
• Do not put up your tree too early or leave it up for longer than about two weeks.
• Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times.
• Never put tree branches in a fireplace or wood burning stove.
• All decorations should be non-flammable or flame-retardant and placed away from heating vents.
• Never put wrapping decorations in a fireplace.
• If you are using an artificial tree, ensure it is flame retardant.

As a final precaution, make sure you have a working smoke alarm on every level of your home, and ensure you have an escape plan, and practice it.