The boxes are coming down from the attic, the tree is on the shopping list, and the house is about to sparkle. Before the first string of lights goes up, take a minute for safety.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says that during November and December, about 12,000 consumers are treated in hospital emergency departments nationwide for holiday-related decorating incidents. In its December 2, 2010 release, CPSC Gives Consumers a Holiday Home Decorating Safety Guide, the agency shared a list of tips. Here are 10 rules to check before you decorate.
Pick A Fresh Live Tree By Testing The Needles
The CPSC says a fresh live tree has green needles that are hard to pull off and do not snap when bent. The base of the trunk should be sticky with resin, and tapping the tree on the ground should not dislodge many needles.
It is a quick test you can do right in the lot. Give a branch a gentle tug before you pay.
Many of us remember the smell of a fresh tree from childhood. A fresh one keeps that smell and stays greener through the holidays.
Keep The Tree Away From Heat And Keep The Stand Full
The agency advises setting up a live tree away from heat sources such as fireplaces, vents and radiators. Heated rooms dry out trees quickly, so keep the stand filled with water.
The CPSC also says not to block traffic paths or doorways with the tree. Dried-out Christmas trees are involved in hundreds of fires each year, it says, causing an average of 17 deaths and $13 million in property damage annually.
Look For A Fire Resistant Label On An Artificial Tree
If you buy an artificial tree, the CPSC says to look for a “Fire Resistant” label. The label does not guarantee the tree will not burn, but it means the tree resists catching fire better.
If your tree comes out of storage each year, check the box for that label. An older tree is worth a closer look.
The label gives you a little extra margin, and the other tips on this list still apply. Keep the artificial tree away from heat sources too.
Choose Safe Ornaments When Little Ones Visit
In homes with small children, the CPSC recommends avoiding sharp, heavy or breakable ornaments. Keep small removable parts out of reach, and skip decorations that look like candy or food.
This goes for grandchildren who come to visit, too. Move the delicate family heirlooms up high on the tree.
Hang the glass pieces near the top and leave the sturdy ones low. Everyone can enjoy the tree without a scare.
Use Only Lights Tested By A Recognized Laboratory
The agency says to use only lights tested for safety by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, whether indoors or outdoors. Look for the lab mark on the box or the cord tag.
Cheap lights with no mark are not worth the savings. Your tree and your home are too precious.
Check the box before you buy, and keep the receipt in case a set has to go back to the store.
Inspect Every Light Set, New Or Old
According to the CPSC, every light set deserves a look for cracked or broken sockets, frayed or bare wires and loose connections. Damaged sets should be discarded.
The CPSC also says not to use electric lights on a metal tree. Plug in each strand on the floor first, before you climb the ladder.
Throwing away a worn string of lights is far cheaper than a fire. Bring a fresh set home if one looks tired.
Match The Extension Cord To The Job
The agency says to make sure any extension cord is rated for its intended use. An indoor cord is not made for the front porch.
Read the label on the cord and on your light sets. Avoid piling too many strands into a single outlet.
A tidy setup makes the house look nicer, too. Tuck cords out of walkways so no one trips.
Plug Outdoor Lights Into A GFCI Outlet
For outdoor lights, the CPSC says to confirm they are certified for outdoor use. Plug them only into a ground-fault circuit interrupter, called a GFCI, protected outlet or a portable GFCI.
Rain, snow and dew are part of the season. A GFCI is built to cut power quickly when something goes wrong.
If your porch has no GFCI outlet, a portable GFCI is the other option the CPSC names. It plugs in like any adapter.
Never Leave A Burning Candle Alone
The CPSC says to never leave burning candles unattended and to blow out all candles before going to bed, leaving the room or leaving the house. The agency reports that candle-related residential fires attended by fire departments are associated with an estimated annual average of 150 deaths and $385 million in property damage.
Candles add warmth to a holiday table. They deserve your eyes on them the whole time.
Before bed, walk through the house and check each room. It takes two minutes and gives peace of mind.
Set Candles On Stable Surfaces Away From Anything That Burns
The agency recommends placing candles on stable, heat-resistant surfaces out of the reach of children and pets. Keep them away from trees, evergreens, decorations, curtains and furniture.
Battery-operated flameless candles are a simple choice if the room is crowded. A little caution now keeps the season bright for everyone.
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