Decorate safely this holiday season

Many families enjoy getting together and decorating their home over the holiday season. While decorating is often a fun event, it can also lead to home dangers. Follow the tips below for information on keeping your home decorating safe for the whole family.

When using artificial greenery, such as trees or garland, check to make sure it is fire resistant. When using a live tree, make sure the tree is fresh and kept moist. The tree should be green and the needles should be hard to pull from braches and bend without breaking. To allow for better moisture absorption, cut off two inches of the trunk before placing it in a stand. Make sure to keep trees, and all decorations, away from heat sources.

When using lights in your decorating, make sure the lights have been tested for safety by an independent laboratory such as Underwriters Laboratory (UL). Check each set of lights for cracked wires and loose sockets, which could cause a fire hazard. If using an extension cord, make sure that the lights do not exceed the capacity of the cord. Keep all lights out of the reach of children and pets.

Beyond greenery and lights, other holiday decorating items can also be dangerous. Artificial snow products can cause lung irritation. Paper, for example paper decorations or wrapping paper, can cause a fire hazard. When using any of these items, exercise caution.

Following these simple tips can help to make sure that your decorations add to your holiday festivities rather than causing a safety hazard.