‘Tis the Season to Celebrate Safely

December is the season for all things light and bright. Snuggling by the fireplace, hanging lights outside, scented candles that smell like sugar cookies and cooking delectable meals for your family and friends.

But whether you’re decorating, cooking or just getting warm, these activities can come with some inherent safety risks.

No need for alarm though! We’ve got you covered with tips you can use this holiday season to keep you and your loved ones merry and bright.

Here are our top holiday tips for keeping your home safe and sound:

1. If you are burning candles, place them on a sturdy surface where they can’t be easily knocked over. Also, place them far away from flammable items such as decorations and greenery. Monitor candles closely and remember to blow them out when you leave the room or go to sleep.
2. Check all holiday light cords to ensure they aren’t frayed or broken. Don’t string too many strands of lights together — no more than three per extension cord.
3. Turn off all holiday lights and decorations when going to bed or leaving the house.
4. Ensure outside decorations are for outdoor use and fasten lights securely to your home or trees. If using hooks or nails outside, make sure they are insulated to avoid an electrocution or fire hazard.
5. If buying an artificial tree, look for the fire-resistant label. When putting it up, keep it away from fireplaces, radiators and other sources of heat.
6. Never use electric lights on metallic trees.
7. If getting a live tree, make sure it’s fresh and keep it watered. To test if the tree is fresh, bend the needles up and down to make sure no needles fall off.
8. Don’t light the fireplaceif hanging stockings or other decorations on the mantel.
9. Check the labels of older decorations. Some older tinsel is lead-based. If using angel hair, wear gloves to avoid irritation.
10. Avoid breathing in artificial snow.
11. If using a ladder, be extra careful. Make sure to have good, stable placement and wear shoes that allow for good traction.
12. Move items that can burn away from the stove. This includes dishtowels, bags, boxes, paper and curtains. Also keep children and pets at least three feet away.
13. Keep a pan lid or a cookie sheet nearby. Use it to cover the pan if it catches on fire. This will put out the fire. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.
14. Turn pot handles to the back of the stove, so no one bumps them or pulls them over.
15. Use a timer to remind yourself that the stove or oven is on. Check the kitchen before going to bed or leaving home to ensure all stoves, ovens and small appliances are turned off.

There you have it! Our top 15 tips for cooking, decorating and celebrating safely this holiday season! We wish you and yours a very happy holiday season!

*For more information and tips, visit The American Red Cross. For more articles like this, visit our Homepage.

Written By: Emily Osment