No one plans to fall off their roof while hanging lights or decides to start a fire because they forgot to water their tree. Holiday accidents burn brightest from late November to January.
There are an average of 200 decorating-related injuries each day during the holiday season, according to CPSC.gov.
Below are a few tips from the National Safety Council to keep you out of the emergency room and safe with your family this holiday season.
- Keep potentially poisonous plants such as mistletoe, holly berries and amaryllis away from children and pets.
- Place your tree at least 3 feet away from fireplaces, radiators and other heat sources.
- Only use indoor lights indoors and outdoor lights outdoors, and choose the correct ladder when hanging lights.
- Replace light sets that have broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections.
- Never nail, tack or stress wiring when hanging lights and keep plugs off the ground and away from puddles and snow.
- Follow the package directions on the number of light sets that can be plugged into one socket.
- Turn off all lights and decorations when you go to bed or leave the house.