10 Safety Tips for Holiday Decorating

It’s the holiday season, and many of us go to great lengths each year to decorate our homes to get into the holiday spirit. However, holiday decorations are not without risk. According to FEMA.gov, nearly half of all holiday decoration fires occur when decorations are too close to a heat source. Read this quick safety guide to keep the holidays happy and your loved ones safe this year.

1. Keep candles and fire away from hanging decorations and/or other flammable materials.

2. Test your smoke alarms! Make sure your smoke alarms work in the event there is a fire.

3. Avoid overloading electrical outlets, as this can lead to an electrical fire.

4. Do not run wires and cords underneath carpets

5. If you have a holiday tree, water it regularly to prevent it from drying out and becoming a fire hazard.

6. Turn off decorations that are plugged in whenever you go to sleep or leave the house.

7. Examine your decorative lights- check both the wires and bulbs. Be sure to throw away any frayed wires and dead bulbs.

8. Clogged gutters can lead to a buildup of water, which can run onto your outdoor lights. Eliminate this potential safety hazard by keeping your gutters clear.

9. Smokers should always smoke outside, and you should have multiple ashtrays available to prevent smoldering cigarette butts.

10. Leaving food unattended is the number one cause of house fires in the U.S. Set a timer on your phone or stovetop to make sure you’re not burning any dishes this year.

The holidays are a special time of year. For many of us, we’re surrounded by our best friends and family creating memories. Let’s take the right steps to protect them by actively practicing these 10 tips and creating a safe environment to celebrate.