Use our holiday safety tips to learn what to do and not to do when decorating your home this season.
Trees
- If you purchase an artificial tree, look for those labeled as fire-resistant. This indicates the tree is more resistant to burning.
- If you purchase a live tree, you want to check its freshness. A fresh tree has needles that resist being pulled off, a trunk bottom that’s sticky with resin, and limbs that will drop few needles if shaken.
- When you bring the tree home, place it away from fireplaces and radiators. Make sure you always keep the stand filled with water.
Lights
- You should only use lights that have been tested for safety by a recognized testing laboratory, such as UL or ETL. Before using lights outdoors, check labels to be sure they have been certified for outdoor use.
- Check each set of lights for broken or cracked sockets, frayed wires or loose connections. Throw out damaged sets.
- Be careful to not overload your circuits.
- Turn off all holiday lights when you go to bed or leave the house.
- Outdoor electric lights and decorations should be plugged into circuits protected by ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) to protect against electric shock.
Candles and Other Decorations
- Use only flame-resistant materials to trim a tree. Consider using unbreakable ornaments if you have children or pets that may access them.
- Keep candles on a sturdy base to prevent tipping. Never leave a lit candle unattended.
- Place candles away from combustible items, such as decorations and wrapping paper.
Contact us anytime with questions, and have a very happy, safe holiday!!