‘Tis the season for fun, festivities, hustle and bustle … and potential danger. From Christmas light catastrophes to various other merry mishaps, the hectic holiday season is rife with the possibility for trouble. Fortunately, by keeping a few things in mind and being alert and safety-minded, you can prevent any of these lurking hazards from putting a damper on your happy holidays. Read on for some helpful holiday safety tips.
Light Smarts
Before you start stringing up the lights this year, inspect every strand to make sure there are no frayed cords, broken bulbs, or other obvious issues. Discard the ones that don’t look right instead of trying to salvage them by replacing bulbs – a new strand is a small price to pay when it comes to safety. Always turn off the holiday lights when you go to bed and when you leave the house.
When decorating with outdoor lights, make sure that all electrical connectors are off the ground and away from metal rain gutters. To keep them in place, insulated tape or plastic clips are better (safer) choices than metal tacks. Never connect more than one extension cord together; use a long enough cord to reach the outlet without stretching. If you’re using a ladder to reach the higher points, take care to keep it stable – enlist the help of a friend or family member to help keep you steady and balanced.
Tree Tips
For those who have real trees, freshly cut is best – they’re more fire-resistant and less likely to pose a hazard. Make sure to keep real trees well watered at all times and keep open flames and heating sources far away.
Fire Prevention
Test your smoke alarms to make sure they are functioning properly. Every level of your home should be equipped with a working smoke detector and carbon monoxide alarm. This advice isn’t exclusive to the holidays, but there’s no time like the present to make sure your home and everyone in it is well protected. Make sure gas fireplaces and furnaces are in good working order (have a qualified professional inspect and maintain these elements), and clear away clutter: Never store combustible materials near your gas furnace or any other heating element.
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