Holiday Safety Checklist
As you start to trim your tree and deck your house for the holidays, safety may be the last of things to check off your list. The statistics show that safety should not be forgotten, however. Annual averages of 230 home structure fires start with Christmas trees. The results are catastrophic – four deaths, 21 civilian injuries, and $17.3 million in direct property damage each year. As you spruce up your home over the holidays, be sure to keep these safety tips in mind:
- Always turn off your holiday lights when you leave the house and before going to bed.
- Keep open flame candles away from Christmas trees and in an area they cannot be knocked over easily. Be sure to blow the candles out whenever you leave your house and before going to bed.
- Make sure that lighting cords are not frayed. Look for certification marks when purchasing new lights to make sure they meet the applicable standards on safety and performance.
- Never connect two extension cords together. Use a single cord long enough to reach the outlet.
- Keep outdoor lights away from metal gutters and use plastic tape or clips as opposed to nails to hold lights in place.
- Have someone hold the ladder when hanging decorations to prevent falls.
- Test to ensure your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms are in proper order before the holidays.
- Keep all combustible materials away from gas furnaces.
- Make sure proper maintenance is done on your furnace and venting system. Replace your furnace filter frequently during heating seasons.
- Always replace broken bulbs with the correct wattage and do not leave any exposed wires.
We hope you enjoy the holiday season as you practice these safety tips in your home.