It’s that time of year again — time to pull out the holiday decorations and turn the process into a fun family occasion. Here are a few tips to keep in mind to safely prepare your home for the holiday season:
Be Careful With Candles — Never leave a lit candle unattended and place it where it can’t be knocked over. Also be sure to keep open flames away from paper decorations.
Keep Fires in the Fireplace — If you have a Christmas tree, make sure it’s nowhere near the fireplace and ensure the tree stand is constantly full of water. A dried out tree is a serious fire hazard. Also, don’t throw gift wrap into a fire; a flash fire could result if paper catches too quickly.
Test Your Lights — Save yourself time and headaches by testing holiday lights before hanging them. Throw away cords with frays or nicks, and always turn off lights before going to bed.
Be Safe Around Poisonous Plants — While poinsettias and mistletoe can brighten your home during the holidays, they are two festive plants that can be poisonous to both people and pets. Bright red holly berries are also dangerous if consumed; they can cause nausea and stomach pain, along with other symptoms.
Keep Children in Mind — Little ones like to pull on the branches of a Christmas tree, so play it safe and secure the tree to a wall with guy wires. Keep bubble lights well out of a child’s reach. These lights can easily break and become a cutting hazard.