| Decorating for the holidays is a fun way for you | | | | make sure they are undamaged. Frayed strings |
| and your family to prepare for the Christmas | | | | and exposed wires can cause a serious risk of |
| season. Hanging ornaments on the tree, stringing | | | | electrocution both inside and outside. Also, do not |
| lights along your eves and letting little ones help | | | | ever try to force a plug into a socket – you |
| with the holiday decorating are all a wonderful part | | | | may need to use an extension cord to properly |
| of the season. | | | | fit your light string to your electricity source. |
| “But,” Says Christie MacLachlan of | | | | After decorating pay close attention to everyday |
| Christmastime site “with all the joy and | | | | safety. Christmas lights and candles are a fire risk, |
| excitement surrounding Christmas it can be easy | | | | so monitor them closely. Anything that creates |
| to forget that there are some real dangers | | | | heat should be not be put near Christmas trees |
| involved in adorning your home and living with | | | | or any flammable material and should not be left |
| holiday decorations day to day.” | | | | on when you are not there to keep an eye on |
| According to the US National Center for Disease | | | | them. Also make sure that none of your |
| Prevention and Control (CDC) and the National | | | | decorations obstruct any high traffic areas. Place |
| Protection Agency, it is estimated that nearly | | | | decorations away from spots where they are at |
| 6000 injuries, 33 deaths and 600 fires a year | | | | risk of tripping or injuring someone. |
| occur as a result of decorating for Christmas. | | | | Children are especially susceptible to injury from |
| Added to the over 23 million dollars in property | | | | Christmas decorations. The twinkling lights and |
| damage caused during the holidays, a significant | | | | unusual shapes are a major attraction to little |
| amount of risk is involved in decorating your | | | | fingers. Kids are especially at risk for burns and |
| home for the holidays! | | | | electrocutions - they might not think twice about |
| The most common Christmastime injuries come | | | | putting their hands up to flames or playing with |
| from climbing and reaching, followed closely by | | | | wires and electrical sockets. |
| electrocution and fires caused by improper | | | | Be aware of your fragile glass decorations, too. |
| handling of Christmas lights. Balancing on furniture | | | | Broken decorations are a choking hazard for |
| such as couches and chairs that aren’t meant | | | | children and can cause serious scratches and cuts. |
| for climbing is the easiest way to get hurt. | | | | The best way to keep little ones safe is to hang |
| It’s easy to prevent injury while decorating | | | | all decorations far out of reach! Also, parents |
| for Christmas, though! MacLachlan sites these | | | | should be mindful of poisonous plants such as |
| simple tips to improving your holiday safety. | | | | poinsettia, which can harm children and pets if |
| Make sure you follow safe practices when | | | | consumed. |
| working up high. Always use ladders for climbing | | | | “Keep your Christmas decorating safe this |
| and don’t overextend your reach. Check that | | | | year by being aware of the dangers and working |
| your ladder is sturdy and be sure to have | | | | to prevent accidents,” says MacLachlan. |
| someone hold the bottom so that it doesn’t | | | | Practice common sense holiday safety throughout |
| slip. For extra safety, you can hire a professional | | | | your home this season so you and your family |
| roofer to put up your roof top decorations. | | | | can enjoy and happy accident and injury-free |
| When you’re installing your Christmas lights | | | | Christmas. |