CHECK THE
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5 TIPS FOR SAFE HOLIDAY DECORATING BY THOMAS WALTERS
One of the most enjoyable parts of the holiday season is decorating your home. No matter if you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa, festive trimmings make it easy to get into the spirit of the season. From the twinkling of lights to the smell of fresh pine needles, holiday decorations can
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create a joyful, fun, and memorable season in your home. nfortunately, these decorations may potentially cause injuries or pose as fire hazards. According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), on average there are about 200 decorating-related injuries each day during the holiday season. To avoid becoming a part of this statistic this year, and to help protect your home and family this holiday season, please remember these five safety tips when decking your halls.
Never plug in more than three light strings into one extension cord. Also, you should always unplug lights when you are not home and turn off the lights when you’re going to bed. Speaking of lights, indoors and outdoors, use only lights that have been tested for safety. Check each set for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. Discard damaged sets or repair them before using. Prevent tripping by placing cords in low-traffic areas where they won’t be walked on. Avoid twisting, kinking, or crushing cords.
1. CHOOSE FIRE-RESISTANT DECORATIONS. Be smart about the decorations you choose to showcase. Vintage holiday decorations made from paper, lace, or fabric may look beautiful, but often are flammable. Display your vintage decorations away from any heat source, including candles, holiday lights, and the fireplace. If you have an artificial holiday tree, confirm it is labeled as fire-resistant before decorating. 2. CONSIDER BATTERY-OPERATED LED CANDLES. Candlelight can help make the holidays feel extra special. However, openflame candles can be a fire hazard. Instead, consider using batteryoperated LED candles and never go near a tree or wreath with a lit candle, lighter, or match. If you do use lit candles in your holiday décor, always use non-flammable holders, keep them away from other decorations and wrapping paper, and place them where they cannot be knocked down or blown over. 3. DON’T OVERLOAD YOUR EXTENSION CORDS. When stringing lights, you may be tempted to overload extension cords. 54
CIRCA Magazine
| October • November • December 2021
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circamagazine.com
