Decorations can bring a lot of joy during the holiday season! Keep in mind the following safety tips as you prepare to celebrate with friends and family.
When using decorative lights, follow all product instructions. Make sure you know where they can be used and how many you can safely string together. Be careful not to plug in any lights that have frayed or damaged cords.
Test the bulbs before hanging them and replace any that are broken or not working. Turn the lights off before going to bed or leaving home.
Secure outdoor lights to trees, fences, or the walls or roof of your house to help prevent injuries or wind damage. Be careful to stay away from any power lines and electrical equipment when you are decorating.
Make sure yard decorations are secured with stakes or weights to prevent the cords from loosening. Keep decorations off of pathways and sidewalks to prevent tripping and falls.
If you are putting up a Christmas tree or greenery, make sure they are at least 3 feet away from any heat source to help prevent a fire. The tree should be supported by a strong stand to keep it from falling or tipping over.
If you choose to decorate with a real tree, remember to add water to the stand every day to keep it from drying out. Remove real trees from your home when the needles start dropping.
Check that any artificial trees, greenery, or wreaths are flame-retardant.
Place candles on a flat, sturdy surface and away from anything that could catch fire. Do not set them in windows with curtains or blinds, and do not use candles to decorate a Christmas tree.
If a candle must burn for long periods of time, put it in a glass container and set it in a sink, on a metal tray, or in a basin filled with water. Blow out candles before leaving the room or going to bed.
Before decorating with plants, check if they could make children or pets sick if eaten. Always keep plants out of reach of children and pets. Plants like mistletoe, holly, yew, Jerusalem cherries, and poinsettias are popular in winter but can be poisonous.
If you think someone has ingested anything that could be harmful, call Poison Control at 800-222-1222.
Do you have questions about safely using holiday decorations?
Call our FREE Safety Store Helpline at 317-274-6565. You can talk live with our staff Monday-Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM about your safety questions.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
healthychildren.org: 12 Safety Tips for Holiday Decorations
in.gov: Get Prepared - Winter Holiday Safety
nfpa.org: Holiday Fire Safety Tips
nfpa.org: Religious Candle Safety Tips
nfpa.org: Keep Fire Safety In Mind When Celebrating Hanukkah This December
