In true holiday season fashion, there is no rest for the weary. Between holiday shopping and holiday decorating, we all have a busy few weeks ahead of us. The ladies of Home Intel, however, like to think that stringing Christmas lights and arranging seasonal decor are fun tasks despite the fact that they require extreme patience at times.
Knowing that more than 12,000 people are treated for decorating-related injuries including falls, burns and shocks from hanging lights or putting up Christmas trees and millions of dollars of property losses are also reported each year*, we wanted to highlight a few safety tips to ensure your holiday season is not only beautiful but safe. While these tips are not new, we feel it is important to remind our readers about the importance of safety during the holidays and winter months.
Avoid Fire Hazards – Many fires are started because of dry Christmas trees and overloaded electrical sockets. To help reduce the risk of fires this holiday season, consumers are urged to water their Christmas trees often (daily) and avoid overloading sockets with multiple cords and plugs. Additionally, consumers who use candles for added ambiance during the holiday season are reminded to blow them out before leaving the house or going to sleep at night. Of course, homeowners can also rely on battery-operated candles for an even safer option.
Maintain Fireplaces & Check Smoke Detectors – As the winter months approach, homeowners and renters should consider checking their smoke detectors to make sure they are working properly. Chimneys should also be cleaned before lighting fires in the fireplace. Finally, it is essential that all space heaters are positioned safely in any room, away from furniture, draperies and decor.
*According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
