Homeowners have started decorating their homes for Christmas earlier and earlier—sometimes before Thanksgiving or often right after.
If you’re ready to start hanging lights in November, take safety precautions. On average, nearly three people per hour are treated in hospital emergency rooms for decorating-related injuries during every holiday season, according to the National Safety Council.
Here are some ways to keep yourself safe if you’re on decorating duty this season:
Inspect last year’s lights before using them again this holiday season. Discard any with frayed or exposed wires, loose connections, or broken sockets.
Decorate the tree with kids in mind. Place breakable ornaments and those with metal hooks near the top of the tree, where little ones can’t reach them.
Keep children away from decorations that contain batteries, and firmly secure battery hatches to prevent them from being opened. Batteries, especially button or coin varieties, can cause harmful burns if swallowed.
Likewise, some holiday plants, including some varieties of poinsettias, can be harmful to children and pets. Keep them out of your home—or at least out of reach. And keep the number for the Poison Control Center handy: 1-800-222-1222.
Use sturdy ladders when decorating outdoors, and always check overhead for power lines so you can steer clear. Indoors, climb onto stepladders instead of chairs, which aren’t designed to support someone in a standing position.
Don’t hide extension cords under rugs or furniture. They can overheat and catch fire. When you take the tree down, unplug extension cords. They’re not designed for permanent use.
Keep your live Christmas tree well-watered to prevent it from catching fire. Make sure your artificial tree is labeled as being fire resistant.
Opt for LEDs instead of flames in candles and centerpieces to prevent the risk of fire.
