Dry Christmas trees and malfunctioning lights can lead to holiday disasters. Here are some home decor tips from the U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission that can help keep your home safe for the holidays.
- Keep potentially poisonous plants – mistletoe, holly berries, Jerusalem cherry and amaryllis – away from children
- If using an artificial tree, make sure it’s “fire resistant”
- If using a live tree, cut off about 2 inches of the trunk to expose fresh wood for better water absorption, remember to water it
- Place your tree at least 3 feet away from heat sources
- Avoid placing breakable ornaments or ones with small, detachable parts on lower tree branches where small children and pets can reach them
- Only use indoor lights indoors and outdoor lights outdoors
- Replace light sets that have broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections
- Follow the package directions on the number of light sets that can be plugged into one socket
- Never nail, tack, or stress wiring when hanging lights, and keep plugs off the ground away from puddles and snow
- Place burning candles in sight, away from flammable items, and blow them out before leaving the room
- Turn off all lights and decorations when you go to bed or leave the house
Find more helpful holiday home decor tips by visiting the U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission at https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/611.pdf