‘Tis the season to be jolly! December is a month of festivity, and it’s traditional for most Americans to celebrate. It’s customary to put up various decorations to incorporate the spirit of the Yuletide season in the home or workplace, but these glittering ornaments can also be potential fire hazards when left unchecked.
To keep your holidays safe and pleasant, follow these decorating tips compiled by ServiceMaster by Wright.
General Fire Safety Tips
- Use flame-resistant or flame-retardant decorations.
- Purchase lights approved by certified or recognized testing laboratories.
- Use decorative lights according to manufacturer specifications, e.g. indoor lights shouldn't be used outdoors.
- Check lights for loose bulbs and frayed wires. Don't use damaged or faulty lighting products.
- Check lights for loose bulbs and frayed wires. Don't use damaged or faulty lighting products.
- Use clips when hanging lights to prevent damage to the cords.
- Use battery-operated LED candles instead of lit ones.
- Turn off electric-powered decorations before going to bed or leaving the house.
- Keep heat sources at least three (3) feet away from flammable materials.
- Keep matches and utility lighters away from children and pets.
- When decorating outdoors, use lights designated for outdoor use and keep them away from water sources.
- Decorations should not block exits. Keep passageways obstruction-free.
- Check your fire alarms and keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
- Organize a home fire campaign to better prepare your loved ones.
Tree Safety Tips from the American Red Cross
- Use fire-retardant artificial trees as identified by the manufacturers.
- For live trees, choose a healthy tree with fresh needles.
- Before putting up your tree, cut two inches from the trunk's base to help with water absorption.
- Water daily to keep the tree fresh and remove any withered or dry needles.
- Keep trees away from entrances, exits, and heat sources.
- Never decorate your tree with lit candles.
- Turn off tree lights before leaving the building or going to bed.
- For more tips, check this Christmas Tree safety hangtag from the National Fire Protection Association.
Disasters Take No Holidays. So Do We.
When accidents interrupt your holiday celebrations, we are here to help you recover. ServiceMaster by Wright provides fire & smoke damage restoration services to Naples, Florida homes and businesses.
Call us at (239) 329-8886 or fill out our online contact form for a FREE estimate.
