12 tips for worry-free holiday decorating.

The warmth and charm of holiday decorations are a delight for people of all ages. As you get into the holiday spirit with your decor, be sure to keep your home safe with these tips.

Selecting and caring for a fresh tree

• When choosing a real tree, look for the following signs of freshness: needles that are hard to pull from the branch, needles that bend and do not break and sticky sap where the trunk is cut.
• Keep live Christmas trees well-watered and away from sources of heat. If needles are falling off, your tree is dry and poses a fire hazard.

Electrical safety

• Ensure that all electrical cords are intact. Lights and accessories with frayed cords should be discarded.
• Check the capacity of extension cords and make sure they aren’t overloaded. Don’t connect more than three strings of lights together at one time.

Safely using candles and fireplaces

• Never leave burning candles unattended. Keep them away from anything that can catch fire, such as curtains or walls. When using candles on a table, keep long or loose sleeves away from the flame, as well as things like boxes of tissues, lamps and photo frames.
• Don’t use your fireplace for burning anything but firewood. Properly dispose of or recycle wrapping paper and ribbons.

Safety for kids and pets

• Be aware of choking hazards for children and pets. Keep small ornaments and ribbons out of reach.
• Avoid decorations that look like candy or food that could be mistaken by children for the real thing.
• Poinsettias are lovely but poisonous to eat. Keep them away from kids and pets.

General holiday safety rules

• Before you head to bed, turn off lights and accessories that could cause an electrical fire.
• When using a ladder to put up decorations, make sure it is stable before stepping up and wear shoes with good traction. Also, use the buddy system and have someone support the base while you climb up.
• Make sure inflatables are securely fastened so they don’t blow away when it’s windy.

Take care when putting up and enjoying your decorations to help keep you and your loved ones, including the furry ones, safe this holiday season.

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