How to Avoid Holiday Decoration Injuries

The holidays are a special time of year for decorating your home inside and out. Those decorations are what give the holidays its festive feel. As with anything, if you or someone you love suffers an injury by those decorations or when putting the decorations up, you might lose that festive feeling. Follow these tips to keep safe this holiday season.

The warm glow of candles and the twinkle of electric lights is everywhere this time of year. Unfortunately, these lights present a particular hazard. The Electrical Safety Foundation International reports that over 1,100 home fires happen every year begin with decorations , and that’s excluding fires that begin with the Christmas tree. Christmas, Christmas Eve, and New Year’s Day are the top three days of the year for candle fires.

Check your lights before using them by thoroughly examining cords and bulbs for any fraying or breakage. If you see a frayed cord, do not try to repair it; simply replace it. Don’t use more than three light strands per extension cord, and examine that extension cord as well, especially if it’s a cord you haven’t used since last year.

For candles, use candle holders and always be aware of your surroundings when holding a candle. Keep hair, scarves, curtains, and the Christmas tree away from the flame. That flame may look small now, but give it just a bit of the right fuel and it could ruin your holidays this year. Never leave a flame unattended.

Christmas tree fires are among the most deadly. When selecting a tree, make sure it is green and fresh. Before putting in the tree stand, cut the bottom of the trunk back by around an inch for it to draw water properly. Often, the tree lot where you bought it will do this for you. Be sure to check frequently that the tree has water. Also, be careful of placement, the tree may look pretty near a fireplace, but that hot air will dry it and increase the fire hazard.

When putting the tree up, install it securely to avoid a falling hazard. Pets and small children are notorious for toppling things – and few things are more dangerous than a toppled Christmas tree. 

It’s especially important to take precautions when using your ladder to put up holiday decorations around the outside of your house. As the project wears on, it can be tempting to become impatient to finish and take shortcuts – especially when it comes to ladder safety. Don’t do it! Ladders are a safe way to reach those high places but only when used properly.

Always plant the ladder on a level surface, and remove any clutter or debris that may be near. A hard surface like a driveway or sidewalk is best for this, but, if you must put the ladder on bare ground, make sure the ground is solid under both feet. You don’t want one side sinking into the ground, causing you to tip over. Have someone holding the ladder whenever you’re on it. After all, this is a project best enjoyed together.

A few simple precautions can help ensure your safety this holiday season without taking away from the festivities. Stay safe this holiday season, and have a happy new year.

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