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.

Last modified: Wednesday, 11-Jul-2012 15:43:12 EDT

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