Keeping Safe During the Christmas Holidays

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Here are a few tips to keep your holiday season free from accidents and injuries:

• Purchase green, moist Christmas trees, never old or brittle. Check the needles. Try to find a tree with needles that bend instead of break.
• After purchasing a live tree, be sure to cut the bottom of the tree to expose new wood that will be able to soak up water.
• Always keep live trees watered.
• Keep trees (and any other combustibles) away from ignition sources such as fireplaces, space heaters, candles, overhead lights, and radiators.
• Ensure that artificial trees are fire resistant and UL (Underwriters Laboratory) or FM (Factory Mutual) listed. This will ensure the tree has been manufactured and tested to meet specific safety standards.
• Make sure the base is steady so the tree won't tip over easily.

Christmas Lights and Extension Cords

• Only use UL or FM approved extension cords.
• Make sure the extension cord is large enough to carry the intended load. (The thicker the cord, the greater the load it should be able to carry without overheating.)
• Inspect the cord for damaged insulation, splices, or loose plugs before using . Never use an extension cord that has any of these conditions.
• Do not overload outlets! Use surge protectors if multiple outlets are needed.
• Immediately replace any broken bulbs that have exposed filaments.
• Never use electric lights on old metal artificial trees.
• Don't run cords through doorways or under rugs. The insulation on the cords can become damaged if the door closes on the cord, or if people step on it under the rug, causing a potential fire and/or shock hazard.
• Match plugs with outlets. Don't force a 3-pronged plug into a 2-pronged outlet or extension cord.

Toys and Ornaments

• Purchase appropriate toys for the appropriate age. Some toys designed for older children might be dangerous for younger children.
• Electric toys should be UL/FM approved.
• Toys with sharp points, sharp edges, strings, cords, or parts small enough to be swallowed should not be given to small children.
• Place older ornaments and decorations that might be painted with lead paint out of the reach of small children and pets.

Parties

• Never drink and drive.
• Provide non-alcoholic drinks for designated drivers and other guests.

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