Holiday safety! |
Holiday Lights
Maintain Your Holiday Lights Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking or wear before putting them up. Use only lighting listed by an approved testing laboratory. Do Not Overload Electrical Outlets Do not link more than three light strands, unless the directions indicate it is safe. Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet. Make sure to periodically check the wires – they should not be warm to the touch. Do not leave holiday lights on unattended! |
Holiday Decorations
Use Only Nonflammable Decorations All decorations should be nonflammable or flame-retardant and placed away from heat vents. If you are using a metallic or artificial tree, make sure it is flame retardant. Don't Block Exits Ensure that trees and other holiday decorations do not block an exit way. In the event of a fire, time is of the essence. A blocked entry/exit way puts you and your family at risk. Never Put Wrapping Paper in the Fireplace Wrapping paper in the fireplace can result in a very large fire, throwing off dangerous sparks and embers that may result in a chimney fire. |
Candle Care
Avoid Using Lit Candles Consider using battery-operated flameless candles, which can look, smell and feel like real candles. If You Do Use Lit Candles Make sure candles are in stable holders and place them where they cannot be easily knocked down. Keep candles at least 12 inches from anything that can burn. Never leave a room or go to bed with candles burning. Never Put Lit Candles on a Tree Do not go near a Christmas tree with an open flame – candles, lighters or matches. |