The holiday season is here, bringing opportunities for celebrations with family, friends, and colleagues. As the classic tune says, it’s time to “deck the halls and trim the trees.” But unlike many over-the-top holiday styles, which can turn festive into frenzy, tasteful and safe decorations are essential to a warm and welcoming environment.
Seasonal decor like lights, trees, and wreaths can brighten any space, yet when not set up properly, they can lead to severe hazards, including fire. According to the National Fire Protection Association, nearly half of home Christmas tree fires involve electrical or lighting equipment. Between 2012 and 2023, fires caused by holiday decorations cost $12 million annually in property damage, with most incidents occurring in living rooms or family rooms and resulting in significant injuries and fatalities.
Holiday Decoration Safety Tips
A few precautions can keep your holiday season safe and festive. To protect your employees, family, and guests, follow these tips:
- Opt for decorations that are flame-resistant or flame-retardant.
- Avoid hanging ceiling decorations near sprinklers or fire alarms.
- Keep lit candles away from sprinklers, fire alarms, and any flammable objects, and never leave a candle unattended.
- Position extension cords out of high-traffic areas and avoid placing them under rugs or furniture.
- Use a stable, non-broken ladder when hanging decorations, and inspect it for wear before use.
Holiday Light Safety Tips
Lighting adds charm to holiday decor, but safety matters:
- Ensure lights are labeled for indoor or outdoor use and follow manufacturer guidelines for the number of strands that can be connected.
- Choose lights tested for safety by certified labs, such as UL or ETL/ITSNA.
- Replace light strands with worn or broken cords and use clips instead of nails to prevent cord damage.
- Plug outdoor lights into a GFCI outlet to minimize the risk of shock, and always turn lights off before leaving or going to bed.
Christmas Tree Safety Tips
A well-chosen tree enhances any holiday setting. Follow these precautions:
- Look for a “Fire Resistant” label on artificial trees.
- Select a live tree with fresh, green needles, keeping it hydrated daily, and place it at least three feet away from heat sources.
- Position the tree away from exits, and dispose of live trees when they dry, using local recycling options if available.
- After the holidays, take down lights to prevent damage and extend their life.
Holiday Entertaining Safety Tips
Celebrations with friends and family add joy to the season. Ensure everyone’s safety with these tips:
- Keep children, pets, and flammable materials away from candles.
- Stay in the kitchen when cooking, keeping flammable items clear of heat sources.
- Establish a three-foot safety zone for kids around stoves and ovens.
- Place a turkey fryer on a flat surface at least 10 feet from any building.
Taking time to safely decorate your home or office is a valuable investment in a joyful holiday season. From the Farmers Union Insurance Agency team, we wish you a safe and happy holiday!