Holiday Safety: Christmas and Hanukah

The Winter holiday season is a festive time of year. Family gatherings and decorations are hallmarks of the season. Holiday safety should be part of our planning when preparing for these festive days.

Here are a few suggestions to help you be safe during the holidays.

Before the season begins

• Test your smoke detectors.
• Clean the oven and stove.
• Keep kitchen clutter away from the stove and oven.
• Be careful using matches and candles. Candles should be made of flame retardant materials.
• Clothing can catch fire around candles, matches, fireplaces and stoves (both electric and gas). Avoid loose, flammable clothing.
• Keep decorations away from sources of heat such as open flames, electric heaters and exposed electric bulbs.
• Don't overload electric outlets. Inspect electrical cords and light sets. If in doubt - throw them out.

Holiday Trees

• Do not use candles on or near the tree.
• Place the tree away from heat sources, such as fireplaces and heaters.
• Keep your Christmas tree in a sturdy base filled with water. Check the water level daily.
• Consider spraying your tree with a flame retardant.
• Safely dispose of your tree before it becomes dangerously dry. Never burn the tree or tree parts in your fireplace.

Holiday Lights

• Use UL approved lights.
• Examine all indoor and outdoor lights for frayed cords - replace if necessary.
• Never use lights that have an empty socket.
• Lights should not touch combustible materials.
• “Indoor” lights should never be used outdoors.
• Turn off all Christmas lights, prior to leaving your home or going to bed.
• Mini lights are safest because they produce less heat.
• Avoid using extension cords, but if you do follow instructions carefully.
• Do not overload electrical circuits, such as wall outlets and extension cords, use a circuit strip.

Holiday Gift Wrap

• Keep combustible materials away from heat sources.
• Never burn wrappings in your fireplace.