Holiday decorations pose a special fire and injury risk. Last year, 14,000 people were injured in incidents involving holiday decorations including falls, lacerations, back strains and ingestion of foreign objects
To reduce the risk of injury while decorating and celebrating during the holidays, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), have compiled these safety tips.
Around the House
Use caution on ladders.
Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Lights
Use lights that have the label of an independent testing laboratory.
Replace lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections.
Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.
Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.
Decorations
Avoid decorations that resemble food or candy as they may tempt a child to try and swallow them.
Place decorations with small removable parts out of reach of small children.
Candles
Put out candles before leaving a room or going to bed.
Keep candles three feet from flammable items.
Keep children and pets away from candles.
Christmas trees
Place live Christmas trees away from heat sources.
Keep Christmas trees well-watered.
Cooking
Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop.
Sources:
http://www.nfpa.org/public-education/by-topic/wildfire-and-seasonal-fires/winter-holiday-safety/christmas-tree-fires
http://www.nfpa.org/public-education/by-topic/wildfire-and-seasonal-fires/winter-holiday-safety