Christmas is a time for joy, celebration, and beautiful decorations. As you deck the halls, it is important to prioritize safety to prevent accidents and fires. Follow these simple tips from Balsam Hill to help ensure your home remains a safe and festive haven for everyone to enjoy.
Artificial Christmas Trees
- Choose a fire-retardant Christmas tree: Quality trees from reputable brands like Balsam Hill are treated with fire-retardant material, making them less of a fire risk than real foliage.
- Secure your tree: A wobbly tree can be a hazard for children and pets. Use a sturdy stand and place your tree away from heat sources and high-traffic areas.
- Check pre-lit trees early: Set up your tree ahead of the season to ensure all lights are working properly. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for assembly and setup.
Ornaments
- Choose with care: For families with pets or small children, consider ornaments made from felt or wood instead of metal or glass.
- Inspect décor before use: Ahead of the holiday season, take out your ornaments and check for breakage or other damage.
- Keep decorations away from heat sources: Paper, fabric, and plastic decorations should be kept away from fireplaces, heaters, and radiators.
Indoor Holiday Décor
- Avoid Overcrowding Surfaces: Give décor enough space so items don’t topple over. Keep fragile displays like glass ornaments or figurines on stable shelves or mantels, away from high-traffic areas and curious pets.
- Use Flameless Alternatives: Replace traditional candles with battery-operated LED versions to reduce fire risks. Position all illuminated décor—such as lanterns, lighted villages, or window lights—well away from drapes, upholstery, or paper decorations.
- Secure Hanging Items: Ensure wreaths, garlands, and wall décor are properly anchored using reliable hooks or adhesive strips rated for the correct weight. Check periodically to make sure nothing has loosened, especially in busy areas of the home.
Outdoor Holiday Décor
- Use outdoor-rated lights: Choose lights specifically designed for exterior use, as they are built to withstand moisture, cold temperatures, and varying weather conditions.
- Follow safe electrical practices: Avoid overloading outlets or extension cords, and unplug outdoor décor when not in use or during storms. Ensure all connections are elevated and kept away from snow or standing water.
- Prepare for winter conditions: Keep a fire extinguisher nearby that is rated for electrical and general fires. When decorating roofs or high areas, be mindful of icy surfaces and strong winds. Whenever possible, complete outdoor decorating before winter weather becomes unpredictable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Safety Tips for Christmas Decorating?
When decorating for the holidays, always inspect lights and decorations for any signs of damage, such as frayed wires or cracked edges, before using them. Keep decorations made from flammable materials away from heat sources. Ensure that lighted or delicate décor is out of reach of children and pets.
What Are Some Safety Tips for Holiday Shopping?
When shopping in stores, stay aware of your surroundings and avoid carrying large amounts of cash. For online shopping, use only secure websites and ensure payment portals clearly outline their privacy and security policies to protect your personal and financial information.
What Are the Safety Tips for Holiday Cooking?
Kitchen fires are especially common during the holiday season, so never leave cooking food unattended. Keep flammable items such as oven mitts, tea towels, and packaging away from stovetops and heat sources. Ahead of the holidays, check your oven and small appliances for any damage to ensure they’re in safe working order for heavier seasonal use.
What Are the Safety Tips for Fires in December?
In December, unattended cooking, candles, and overloaded electrical sockets are common causes of home fires. Be vigilant when preparing meals and never leave candles burning unattended or placed near anything flammable. Check all lighted holiday décor for proper function and always unplug lights and illuminated decorations when not in use.