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As the year's most joyful (and busiest) time approaches, many of us are racing to decorate our homes to celebrate the season. Before doing so, it is important to pause and assess your surroundings and take safety precautions when installing holiday decorations. The holidays are not joyful when accidents occur.
Holiday Lights
Before installation, take a few moments to ensure your light strings are in good condition. If you see frayed wires or broken sockets, discard the lights and purchase new strings. It is important to inspect your extension cords and use the weatherproof GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) protected outlets for outdoor lights. Make sure to test your GFCI-protected outlets by pressing the TEST button prior to use. If the outlet does not trip, seek out an electrician for replacement prior to use.
To reduce fire risk, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines on how many strands of lights you should connect to one circuit. Many manufacturers follow safety standards set by organizations such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL). Ensure your outdoor powered devices are rated to be used outdoors.
Flammable Materials
Protect your artificial lights from flammable materials such as tinsel, paper decorations, and cloth. These materials can heat up quickly and catch fire.
Holiday Candles
When no one is home, turn off your lights or purchase electrical outlet timers to reduce fire risk. Outlet timers automate the functionality of your lighted decorations based on your home’s schedule.
Power Off
According to the NFPA, approximately one-third of home decoration fires are started by candles. If you use holiday candles in your home, position them at least 12 inches from anything flammable. When available, opt for battery-operated candles to reduce fire risk.
Proper Ladder Use When Installing Outdoor Lights
Using a ladder to install holiday lights can be safe and efficient when proper precautions are taken; otherwise, accidents may occur. Begin by inspecting the ladder before each use to ensure all parts are in good working condition. Check the weather, avoid ladder use in high winds or stormy conditions, and ensure the ladder can support the user's and materials' combined weight without exceeding its maximum load rating. It is also a good idea to let someone nearby know you are on the ladder in case of injury, and only one person should be on the ladder at a time.
Set up straight, single, or extension ladders at a 75-degree angle, ensuring all metal ladders have slip-resistant feet. Keep your ladders away from power lines. Make sure all locks on extension ladders are fully engaged. The ground beneath the ladder should be level and firm, and consider having a helper hold the base for stability. Never place a ladder blocking a door unless it is locked, blocked off, or guarded.
While on the ladder, always keep your body centered between the rails and avoid leaning too far to the side. Do not step on the top step or bucket shelf or attempt to climb or stand on the rear section of a stepladder. By following these guidelines, you can minimize risks and safely enjoy your holiday decorating.
Your Christmas Tree
According to UL, nearly 90 million Americans plan to decorate a holiday or Christmas tree this season. While Christmas tree fires are a known hazard, the number of such incidents has decreased in recent years, averaging around 160 annually. To keep this trend moving in the right direction, it’s essential to care for your natural or artificial tree properly.
Selecting an Artificial Tree
When selecting an artificial tree, ensure a “fire-resistant” sticker is on the tree's package.
Selecting a Natural Tree
When selecting your tree, avoid purchasing a dehydrated tree. A fresh tree is green, and the needles are hard to pull from branches. A good test for freshness is when you bend the needles between your fingers; they do not break. The trunk butt of a fresh tree is sticky with resin, and when tapped on the ground, the tree should not lose many needles. Natural trees should be cut at a 45-degree angle at the base and placed in water.
Positioning Your Tree
Once you have brought your tree home, use a tree stand that can hold at least a gallon or more water, and water your tree daily to reduce fire risk. Position the tree at least three feet away from fireplaces, radiators, or portable heaters, as these materials can dry up trees quickly, creating a fire hazard.
Decorating your Tree
Decorate your tree with LED Lights or low-heat lights. Warmer lights will dehydrate the tree more rapidly and increase the fire risk. The NFPA reported that the most frequent tree fires occur between 3 and 12 pm. Consider adding a timer to turn lights off at bedtime automatically.
Natural Tree Disposal Safety
If you travel after the holidays, dispose of your tree before your departure. If your tree is left in your home for too long after it has dried out, it is at a heightened risk of catching fire. Many towns offer tree collection options or recycling programs to dispose of trees safely.
CED Technologies’ Technologies’ team of engineers is experienced in fire and explosion investigation, premises liability cases, and cases related to holiday decoration fires. Our team can accurately determine the origin and causes of a fire or accident and deliver a thorough analysis and report. Stay safe this holiday season, and take precautions with your holiday decorations!
