Holiday Decorating ☼ Don't Compromise Safety

Thursday, December 17, 2009 Leave a Comment

Underwriters Laboratories, the world’s oldest and most-trusted product safety testing organization, knows that money savings will come in the form of reusing old decorations, shopping at thrift stores or deep discounters, and celebrating and cooking more at home. But if not done carefully, seemingly cheerful activities could quickly put a damper on holiday spirits – December and January are peak months for home fires, deaths and injuries.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind while doing your holiday decorating:

1) If you decorate using a real tree - A fresh tree is key: If the needles are not fresh, it can lead to a greater risk of fire. Remember to ask your tree lot attendant to make a fresh cut to the base of the tree and place it in water as soon as you get home. Place tree in a tree stand that holds at least one gallon of water and check moisture level frequently.

2) Light it right: Carefully inspect each electrical decoration – new or old -- before plugging it in. Look for cracked sockets or frayed, exposed wires that could become a shock or fire hazard. Replace damaged items with new, UL-LISTED decorations.

3) Indoor or outdoor? Look for UL Mark: Indoor-use only light strings are marked with UL's green holographic label. Indoor or outdoor-use light strings are marked with UL's red holographic label.

4) Shop at retailers you know and trust: Whether you are shopping online or heading to the mall, make sure it is a source you know and trust. Reputable retailers require their products to be UL-LISTED, confirming they have been tested according to UL requirements and are evaluated for potential risk hazards.

5) Exercise candle care. If you have children and pets, place candles out of reach and away from heavy traffic areas in your home. Never leave a room with candles lit.

For more information on holiday decorating and gift-giving safety tips, go to www.ul.com/consumers.

I was provided this information from GolinHarris on behalf of UL. I received no compensation for this post, I just want to help bring safety awareness to the readers of my blog ☺. And yep, that's a picture of MY Christmas tree!

4 comments »

Cat @ Mom Talk with 3 Kids and Us said:

This is such important information to pass on. Something we tend to forget is checking our bulbs and wires, which of course we should definitely do with a dog in the house.

thank you!

December 17, 2009 at 12:57 PM

Blessings Abound said:

These are all things we need to remember during the holidays so we can enjoy them to the fullest! Thanks for sharing these tips! :)

December 19, 2009 at 2:25 PM

Frugal New England Kitchen said:

Thanks for the tips! We have to worry about our cats chewing the wires too!

Moomette's last post: Life in New England – Does That Mean I Need a Live Christmas Tree?

December 19, 2009 at 4:56 PM

Rhonda Gales said:

Your tree is beautiful. Thanks for sharing the safety tips.

December 20, 2009 at 6:50 AM