Friday, December 6, 2013

Holiday Safety Tips: Fire Hazards - Decorations

Welcome to the second blog dedicated to helping keep your home fire free this holiday season!

Today, we are going to look at fire hazards relating to holiday decorating.

Here is a list of decorating tips:

1. Use non-flammable or flame-retardant decorations.
2. If you have a fresh tree, make sure it is well watered at all times, and take it down after 4 weeks.
3. For menorahs use dripless candles.
4. Keep decorations and trees away from candles, fireplaces, and heaters.
5. Use lights tested for safety: look for a certification mark from UL, CSA, ETL or other notionally-recognized laboratories.
6. Consider using LED lights when possible:they run cooler, use less energy, and last longer than incandescent lights.
7. Inspect all lights and decorations for cracks, damaged sockets and loose or bare wires.
8. Never exceed the maximum number of strings or devices that may be linked together.
9. Unplug electric lights and devices before replacing bulbs or changing parts or doing repairs.
10. Turn off all lights before leaving your home, office, or going to bed.
11. Use battery-operated candles.
12. Never leave candles unattended.

Outdoor decorations

1. Plug all outdoor lights and decorations into ground-fault circuit interrupters to reduce the risk of shock.
2. Secure lights and decorations and cords to prevent wind damage.
3. Never staple or nail through or fasten electrical wires or extensions cords in any way that might damage the wire or insulation.
4. Keep your self and decorations at lest 10 feet from power lines.
5. Make sure decorations are well ventilated.
6. Use wooden or fiberglass ladders when putting up electrical decor.

All of this information can be found on Traveler's website:
https://www.travelers.com/prepare-prevent/holiday-safety.aspx.

Monday we will look at Winter Driving tips.

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