Holiday Safety Tips

Every holiday season comes with many joys and some challenges. There are always situations that are going to be out of our control during the holidays. However, when it comes to common holiday risks, we’ve got a few holiday safety tips to help you avoid undue problems. Now you can worry about other things, like avoiding holiday weight gain. 

BEWARE OF CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHT DANGERS

• Inspect each set of Christmas lights (old or new) for damage. Return or throw out any set with cracked or broken sockets, frayed or bare wires or loose connections. The last thing you want is a burnt Christmas tree.

• Choose Christmas lights that have been tested and deemed safe by a reputable testing laboratory, the best are UL or ETL. Christmas lights listed as safe by these laboratories will note that on the packaging.

• LED lights are the best to use. They use much less energy and do not give off heat.

BE CAUTIOUS WHEN HANGING LIGHTS OUTDOORS

• Decorating with lights often requires the use of a ladder, and improper ladder use could lead to an injury. Always be cautious and be sure to have someone around to help in case of an emergency.

• Use extension cords properly. Outdoor cords can be used anywhere, but never use indoor extension cords outside. Also, do not overload extension cords–they can get hot enough to burn.

• Secure outside Christmas lights with insulated holders (never use tacks or nails) or run strings of lights through hooks.

BE MINDFUL OF PORCH BURGLARS

With all the online shopping happening this year, be cognizant of when your packages are arriving. (Ask your neighbors to keep an eye out or ask the delivery company to make sure to get a signature when delivering.) Avoid leaving leftover boxes for expensive items on your porch or near the outside trash. This lets burglars know that you have just recently purchased something expensive.

BE CAUTIOUS AROUND FIREPLACES

• Be sure to keep your tree away from any heat sources, like radiators and fireplaces, which will expedite the drying process. 

• Tossing wrapping paper into the fireplace may seem harmless enough, but doing so can result in a flash fire.

We wish you and your family a wonderful and risk-free holiday season!