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Holiday Safety Tips

While decorating and working on DIY projects this holiday season, keep some of these tips in mind:

  • Only use indoor lights indoors and outdoor lights outdoors

  • Choose the right ladder for the task when hanging lights

  • Replace light sets that have broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections

  • Follow the package directions on the number of light sets that can be plugged into one socket

  • Never nail, tack or stress wiring when hanging lights and keep plugs off the ground away from puddles and snow

  • Turn off all lights and decorations when you go to bed or leave the house

  • Never untangle cords while plugged into an outlet

  • Use extension cords that are rated for outdoor use for exterior decorations

  • Watch for trip hazards….and broken light bulbs

  • Use timers to save energy for holiday lights

  • Place candles where they cannot be knocked down out of reach of children and animals

  • Keep matches and lighters up high and out of reach for children in a locked cabinet

  • Use flameless, rather than lighted, candles near flammable objects

  • Don't burn trees, wreaths or wrapping paper in the fireplace

  • Use a screen on the fireplace at all times when a fire is burning

  • Never leave candles or fireplaces burning unattended or when you are asleep

  • Check and clean the chimney and fireplace area at least once a year

  • If using an artificial tree, check that it is labeled “fire resistant”

  • If using a live tree, cut off about 2 inches of the trunk to expose fresh wood for better water absorption, remember to water it and remove it from your home when it is dry

  • Place your tree at least 3 feet away from fireplaces, radiators and other heat sources, making certain not to block doorways

  • Avoid placing breakable ornaments or ones with small, detachable parts on lower tree branches where small children and animals can reach them

  • Ask for help when decorating!


Giving Safety Gifts

  • Fire extinguishers and Carbon Monoxide monitors

  • New flashlights

  • Batteries for smoke detectors and flashlights

  • Safety glasses for the person who loves DIY projects

  • Work gloves with grips

  • Ear plugs or ear muffs to wear when working on landscaping, using power tools or your snow blower

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