The Christmas Holiday season is upon us. With that comes a flurry of activity, including gift shopping, holiday baking and decorating our homes and offices. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), approximately 14,000 people are treated in emergency rooms during the two months surrounding the holiday season. Holiday related accidents include falls, cuts and shocks from lights, decorations and trees.
In addition, candles start approximately 12,000 fires each year resulting in 150 deaths and $393 million in property loss. Approximately 300 fires are started annually from Christmas trees, resulting in 15 deaths and more than $13 million in property loss and damage. Don’t be distracted by the hustle and bustle of the season. Use common sense and follow the safety tips listed below to keep both you and yours safe this holiday season.
Candles
Place candles where they cannot be accidentally knocked over.
Never leave a candle unattended in a room.
Be sure to extinguish candles before going to bed.
NEVER use a lighted candle on or near a tree, other evergreens, wrapping paper or decorations.
Use non-flammable candle holders.
Christmas Trees
A fresh tree is green! If you bounce the tree on the ground and a shower of needles fall off, the tree is too dry.
If you put a live tree up right after Thanksgiving, take it down the week after Christmas to avoid a potential fire hazard.
Cut 2” off the base of the trunk to expose fresh wood for better absorption and place in water immediately upon arriving home. Trees absorb most of their water within six to eight hours after bringing it into a home. Keep your tree well-watered. Tree stands should provide 1 quart of water per inch of stem diameter.
Place trees at least three feet away from fireplaces, radiators, space heaters, heating vents and other sources of heat. Do not block exits.
Select artificial trees that are labeled "Fire Resistant." This does not mean the tree cannot catch on fire, it means the tree is more resistant to catching fire.
Ladders
Ladders should be made of wood or fiberglass when used near electrical wiring.
Only one person on a ladder at a time and do not carry equipment as you climb. Have someone either hand the equipment to you or wear a tool belt. Never exceed the ladder’s weight restriction.
Use the correct height! Ladders should extend three feet above the roofline or working surface.
Face forward when climbing up and down the ladder and keep your body centered between the side rails.
Lights
Only use lights and other decorations that have been tested for safety by a nationally-recognized testing laboratory such as UL or ETL/ITSNA.
All lights, decorations and extension cords must be rated for outdoor use. Light strings for indoor use only will be designated with a green UL Mark. Light strings that are for indoor and outdoor use will be designated with a red UL Mark.
Inspect lights, both old and new before plugging them in. Check for cracked sockets, frayed, bare or loose wires. Replace damaged lights with new UL Marked decorations.
Check manufacturer’s instructions to determine the maximum number of strings that can be connected and do not overload extension cords.
Plug lights and decorations into circuits protected by ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs). Portable outdoor GFCIs can be purchased at any store where electrical supplies are sold.
Turn off all lights and decorations before going to bed or leaving the house or office.
For more information on reducing risk or any of our other services, please contact Jeff Harrison at jeff.harrison@cbservices.org or 800.807.0300 ext 2543