Keeping the Holidays Safe is a gift you can give to your entire family. Each year we hear about holiday disasters that emerge as a result of not being properly prepared and making sure our families and homes are safe during the holidays is our responsibility. Keep your belongings and loved ones protected by following a few easy steps!

Christmas Tree Safety

Every year we hear about fire hazards and other injuries stemming from Christmas trees. Make sure this doesn’t happen to you! The following tips will reduce the risk of Christmas tree danger:

1)   Do not let your tree dry out. This is one of the largest causes for Christmas tree fires. Water your tree often and never let the water level fall below the bottom of your tree. If your tree starts to show signs of drying out, remove it from your home.

2)   Securely fasten your tree in its stand. Trees that are easy to tip may cause serious household damage or bodily injury.

3)   Set your tree far from any heat danger such a fireplace or space heater.

4)   Make sure any artificial trees you own are fire retardant.

 Holiday Decoration Safety

Although decorations are a lot of fun, they can cause unnecessary damage if they aren’t properly placed.

       1)   Make sure all glass decorations/ornaments you hang are kept out of the reach of small children.

2)   Keep stockings attached to heavy stocking holders out of the reach of small children. If they pull on a stocking attached to one of these holders and the stocking falls, serious bodily injury might occur.

3)   Don’t use decorations that pose a choking hazard. If you need to use small decorations that fit this profile, put them up high to avoid any potential for danger.

4)   Make sure poisonous plants such as holly and mistletoe are out of the reach of babies, small children, and pets.

Additional Considerations

1)  Check your holiday lights and lighted decorations for frayed ends, loose bulbs, and other damage.

2)  Do not connect more than three light strands together. This will help avoid circuit burnout.

3)  Double check the smoke detectors in your home for proper function.

4)  Make sure your emergency kit is up to date should you or a family member incur damage.

5)  Keep an easily accessible fire extinguisher in your home.

6)  Make sure your automobile is equipped with emergency supplies. Many of us travel over the holidays and forget to include these valuable items in our travel plans.