Christmas Decorating Safety Checklist
Safety is important regardless of the time of year, but around the holidays it can be especially crucial. Unlike in the summer, winter poses a whole new set of safety challenges: heavy rains and snow, freezing temperatures, and slick roads to name just a few. But, the holidays are also some of the best times of each year, filled with treasured memories, family, friends, and lots of hot cocoa! Let’s go over some safety tips that you can use while decorating this year that can keep you and your family safer during the holidays.
Tree Safety
Many Americans buy live Christmas trees each year. According to one study, about 30 million live trees are sold to American households each year, while approximately 20 million artificial trees are purchased in the same period. Even though “real” trees pose more of a fire hazard, both types of tree introduce new potential risks into your house.
#1. Whichever tree you choose to use this year, make sure to keep it at least three to six feet away from any and all sources of ignition, which include candles, stoves, and fireplaces.
#2. If you have a live tree then make sure to chop at least three inches off the base when you first get it home so that it can soak up water more readily. Also, make sure to water your tree every day! A dry Christmas tree is a more flammable Christmas tree.
#3. Unplug your tree lights when you are going to bed for the night and when you’re leaving the house. An unattended tree can be a fire hazard!
#4. Trees are very tempting and tantalizing to young children! Make sure that ornaments are placed high enough to be out of reach of little ones as they are choking hazards.
Safety With Lights
Hanging lights in and around your house for Christmas is as American as apple pie, but it comes with its own set of considerations. Keep these in mind as you decorate your house with Christmas cheer this winter!
#1. Make sure your ladder is on sturdy dry ground.
#2. Always use the buddy system when going up a ladder. Your buddy can help stabilize the ladder and look out for other potential dangers like cords getting tangled or people walking through the area.
#3. Check every strand of lights thoroughly! Any cracks or breakages could be potential fire or electrical shock hazards.
#4. Replace all broken or burnt out bulbs with manufacturer approved lights of the same size and wattage. If you’re not sure, then simply toss that strand of lights out and buy a new one. Always tread on the side of caution!
#5. If you’re using extension cords, make sure to periodically check them for warmth. If they are getting unusually warm or even hot to the touch, then there is an unsafe connection and you must unplug them immediately and re-evaluate your lighting setup. That may be a sign of an overloaded line.
Bonus: If you’re decorating indoors this year and you have young children in the house, make sure to check your blinds and window coverings for hanging cords. These cords can also be tempting for children to play with and tug on which could either potentially pull the blinds down on them or get them dangerously tangled. Make sure your cords are tied up safely out of reach or consider replacing corded blinds with alternative window coverings. In addition to being safer for children they also look great! Check out our Designer Shades. We have great styles to fit any house.
All of us at Blind Appeal wish you and your family a very safe and a very merry Christmas this year.