Its Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

11/21/2023 (Permalink)

Following a few simple safety tips can ensure you and your family enjoy a safe holiday season.

We all love decorating for the holidays however it is imperative that you follow a few safety tips to ensure a safe holiday season.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reported 13 million dollars in property damage from Christmas trees. In the event that your family buys a live tree, keep in mind that trees dry out over time, electrical lights malfunction and poorly located heating sources can make for a hazardous combination. Below are few suggested safety tips from the NFPA:

• Fresh trees are less likely to catch fire, so look for a tree with vibrant green needles that are hard to pluck and don’t break easily from its branches.
• Always place your tree away from heat sources like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights, and keep the tree base filled with water to avoid drying out.
• Make sure all your indoor and outdoor Christmas lights have been tested in a lab by the UL or ETL/ITSNA for safety, and throw out any damaged lights. If you have pets make sure you check the cords and lights daily for any damage they may have caused by playing with the decorations.
• Any lights you use outdoors must be labeled suitable for exterior placement, and be sure to plug them into a ground-fault circuit interrupter protected receptacle.
• Keep all your holiday candles away from your Christmas tree, surrounding furniture and décor.
• Bedtime means lights off. DO NOT FORGET to turn your Christmas tree lights off each night.

When your tree begins to drop its needles, it’s time to say goodbye to your evergreen foliage until next year.