Lights
Indoors or outside, use only lights that have been
tested for safety. Identify these by the label from
an independent testing laboratory.
Check each set of lights, new or old, for broken
or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose
connections. Discard damaged sets or repair them
before using.
Fasten outdoor lights securely to trees, house,
walls or other firm support to protect from wind
damage.
Use no more than three standard-size sets of lights
per single extension cord.
Turn off all lights on trees and other decorations
when you go to bed or leave the house. Lights
could short and start a fire.
Never use electric lights on a metallic tree.
The tree can become charged with electricity from
faulty lights, and any person touching a branch
could be electrocuted! To avoid this danger, use
colored spotlights above or beside a tree, never
fastened onto it!
Keep "bubbling" lights away from children. These lights with their bright colors and bubbling movement can tempt curious children to break candle-shaped glass, which can cut, and attempt to drink liquid, which contains a hazardous
chemical.
Candles
Never use lighted candles on a tree or near other
evergreens.
Always use non-flammable holders.
Keep candles away from other decorations and
wrapping paper.
Place candles where they cannot be knocked
down or blown over.
Trimmings
Use only non-combustible or flame-resistant materials.
Wear gloves while decorating with spun glass "angel hair
to avoid irritation to eyes and skin.
Choose tinsel or artificial icicles or plastic or non-leaded
materials.
In homes with small children, take special care to:
- Avoid decorations that are sharp or breakable
- Keep trimmings with small removable parts out of reach of children.
- Avoid trimmings that resemble candy or food - a child could eat them.
Fires
Before lighting any fire, remove all greens, boughs, papers, and other decorations from fireplace area. Check to see that flue is open.
Keep a screen before the fireplace all the time a
fire is burning.
Use care with "fire salts" which produce colored
flames when thrown on wood fires. They
contain heavy metals which can cause intense
gastrointestinal irritation or vomiting if eaten.
Keep away from children.
General Rules for Holiday Safety
Keep matches, lighters, and candles out of
the reach of children.
Avoid smoking near flammable decorations.
Make an emergency plan to use if a fire breaks out anywhere in the home. See that each family member knows what to do. PRACTICE THE PLAN!
Avoid wearing loose flowing clothes- particularly long,
open sleeves-near open flames - such as those of a fireplace, stove, or candlelit table.
Never burn candles near evergreens.
Burning evergreens in the fireplace can also be hazardous. When dry, greens burn like tinder. Flames can flare out of
control, and send sparks flying into a room, or up the chimney to ignite creosote deposits.
Plan for safety. Remember, there is no substitute for common sense. Look for and eliminate potential danger spots near candles, fireplaces, trees, and/or electrical
connections.
