Safety for your celebrations

The end of year celebrations are a source of merriment, but they can also be a source of danger because of the decorations used for the traditional festivities. The American Red Cross has a list of tips to make sure families stay safe. 

According to the National Fire Protection Association, Christmas, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day are the top three days for candle fires, but trees, tree lights, and other decorations are also a risk if not maintained properly. 

According to the Red Cross, one of the best ways to prevent a disaster from a home fire is to test the home’s smoke alarms and practice the home fire escape plan with free resources at redcross.org/homefires. In addition, the organizations provides these 10 simple safety tips for the use of lights and ornaments:

1. Check all holiday light cords to make sure they aren’t frayed or broken. Don’t string too many strands of lights together—no more than three per extension cord.
2. If buying an artificial tree, look for the fire-resistant label. When putting it up, keep it away from fireplaces, radiators and other sources of heat.
3. If getting a live tree, make sure it’s fresh and water it to keep it fresh. Bend the needles up and down to make sure no needles fall off.
4. If using older decorations, check their labels. Some older tinsel is lead-based. If using angel hair, wear gloves to avoid irritation. Avoid breathing in artificial snow.
5. When decorating outside, make sure decorations are for outdoor use and fasten lights securely to your home or trees. If using hooks or nails outside, make sure they are insulated to avoid an electrocution or fire hazard.
6. If using a ladder, be extra careful. Make sure to have good, stable placement and wear shoes that allow for good traction.
7. Don’t use electric lights on metallic trees.
8. Don’t forget to turn off all holiday lights when going to bed or leaving the house.
9. Keep children, pets and decorations away from candles.
10. If hanging stockings on the fireplace mantel, don’t light the fireplace.