The Holidays are here! Whether you like to put the tree up right after Halloween or wait until after Thanksgiving, having holiday decorations up is festive and fun. However, for the best experience, safety and fun should go hand in hand. What can you do to make sure that everyone stays safe as you use extra electricity and enjoy your peppermint mocha candles? Check out these holiday decorating safety tips!
For Holiday Trees
You have two choices for your holiday tree: natural or artificial. While many artificial trees are fire resistant, they can also be fire hazards like natural trees. Before you buy an artificial tree, look for a statement about its fire resistance. When it comes to natural trees, a fresh tree contains more water and stays green longer than a dry tree.
Dry trees can catch on fire more easily because they essentially become seasoned wood. To check for freshness, check for a tree that has pine needles that are hard to pull off and don’t break when bent. The end of its trunk should also be sticky with resin. Now that you have the right types of trees, here are other safety tips to follow:
For All Trees:
- Keep all trees away from fireplaces, radiators, space heaters, and other heat sources.
- Keep your tree out of the way of house traffic and don’t block doorways- not only is this inconvenient, but it can obstruct a fire escape path.
- Use thin wires to tether a large tree to the walls or ceiling. If you use guy-wires, they are almost invisible. This process of anchoring your tree will keep it from falling over and hurting anyone.
- Turn off all lights on your tree and other indoor decorations before you go to bed or leave the house.
- Never put electric lights on a metal tree. This can charge the tree with electricity and electrocute you if you touch a branch.
- Never light candles near an artificial or natural tree.
For Natural Trees:
- Before placing your tree on its watered stand, cut two inches off the trunk. This fresh wood absorbs water more effectively.
- Trim branches to make the tree balanced.
- Use a sturdy, water-holding stand that has stable, wide feet.
- Refill the water stand as long as the tree is indoors.
Indoor Decorations
That traditional display of houses and trains is 100% festive, but make sure that everything you put in your home is safe for all occupants. If you have small children and pets, avoid decorations that are sharp or breakable and keep any delicate decorations up high and out of reach.
Artificial Snow
Since Virginia can often lack snow in December, residents may still crave that wintry look. Artificial snow is a viable replacement to create that aesthetic even when the weather won’t cooperate. Follow these safety tips to protect your health.
- Artificial snow sprays can irritate your lungs if inhaled. To avoid this, follow all of the product’s safety directions carefully. Use goggles and a mask when spraying if necessary.
- If you choose artificial snow particles, then make sure they are-non toxic. Only use this decoration in specific areas so that small kids and pets don’t get the snow stuck in their eyes and noses.
Holiday Lights
Lights are some of the most iconic holiday decorations. Whether you have lights indoors or outdoors, you should follow the proper safety measures.
- Only use lights that have been inspected and safety-tested. You can know this by checking its label to find out if it’s been inspected by an independent testing laboratory.
- Check each set of lights for missing lights, broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. Discard anything that is damaged sets or repair them (if you have the know-how) before using them again.
- Use only up to three standard-size sets of lights per extension cord. Otherwise, the lights can short and start a fire.
- Do not navigate your roof without the right safety gear! Hanging up lights can be dangerous when you don’t have a steady ladder or help. Only put up lights when you’re confident and able to do the job.
- Pro Tip: Don’t damage your roof in the process. Use plastic light hangers to avoid using nails in your shingles. To check if you have roofing damage, schedule a roofing inspection today.
Candles
Scented candles provide a calming ambiance and wonderful holiday aromas that make home for the holidays a pleasant place.
- Always use non-flammable candle holders. Domed wax melters and lantern-style holders are safer than saucers.
- Keep candles away from anything flammable like other decorations, tinsel, trees, and wrapping paper.
- Place candles in a safe spot where they can’t be knocked down or blown over.
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