Some families will spend part of their Thanksgiving Holiday decorating for Christmas. Many families have holiday traditions that include putting up and decorating their Christmas tree on Thanksgiving Day or the weekend after Thanksgiving. If you are decorating for the holidays now or in a few weeks, it is important that you take steps to keep your home and family safe from holiday hazards.
Below are several holiday decorating safety tips that can help you avoid a tragic injury during the winter holiday season.
Holiday Decorating Safety Tips for Your Family
- Are you using a live Christmas tree this year? If so, make sure that you choose a tree that is fresh. Look for a tree that has lush, green needles that do not fall off when you run the needles between your fingers. Before placing the tree in the stand, trim off an inch or two from the bottom of the tree trunk. Keep the tree stand full of water to prevent your tree from drying out.
- When using an artificial tree, check the tree for damage that can cause injuries such as exposed wires for the lights. Look for artificial trees that are “fire resistant.” This does not mean that the tree will not burn; however, it will be more resistant to catching fire than some other artificial trees.
- Never place a live tree or an artificial tree close to a fireplace or other source of heat. Decorations should be kept at least three feet or more away from heat sources.
- Inspect all holiday lights before using them each year. Check for frayed or exposed wires and broken bulbs. You should make sure that lights are labeled for the proper use — indoor lights for indoors and outdoor lights for outdoors.
- Before leaving home or going to sleep, turn off lights.
- Always blow out candles before leaving a room, going to sleep, or leaving your house. Keep burning candles away from other decorations and out of the reach of children and pets.
- Do not run electrical cords or extension cords under rugs or furniture. Never overload an electrical outlet with more plugs than it is designed to handle.
- If you have small children or pets in your home, keep this in mind when decorating your tree. Avoid breakable ornaments, Angel hair, tinsel, and decorations with small pieces.
- Beware of poisonous plants, such as poinsettias and plants with berries. Children and pets do not understand that these plants are dangerous and potentially deadly.
For more holiday safety tips, you can visit the websites for the National Safety Council and FEMA.
Happy Holidays from Our New Orleans Law Firm
We want to wish everyone a happy and safe holiday season. Our lawyers are available over the holidays to help families and individuals who are injured by the negligent acts of others.
If you are injured in a traffic accident, contact Attorney Fred Olinde of The Olinde Firm for a free case evaluation. Call our office at (504) 587-1440 or 1-800-587-1889 to request a free consultation with a New Orleans accident attorney.