Christmas Safety Guidelines

Christmas is a time for joy and celebration, but it’s also important to stay vigilant about safety. Safety should be a top priority as the holiday season often involves decorations, gatherings, cooking, and increased activity at home. 

Here are a few safety reminders to keep in mind to ensure a joyful and accident-free holiday season:

1. Fire Safety with Christmas Lights - Check lights for frayed wires, broken bulbs, or damage before use. Use proper extension cords (indoor or outdoor rated) and avoid overloading. Turn off lights when leaving the house or going to bed. lug lights directly into outlets when possible, and avoid daisy-chaining extension cords or power strips to reduce fire risk.
2. Tree Safety - If you have a real Christmas tree, make sure it’s fresh. Dry trees are highly flammable and pose a serious fire hazard. Keep the tree’s stand filled with water to prevent it from drying out. Ensure the tree is securely positioned and not likely to fall over. This is especially important if you have young children or pets around.
3. Fireplace and Heater Safety - If using a wood burning fireplace (keep in mind a fireplace with a gas hook up is NOT setup for burning wood, and doing so is a risk of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning), you should consider the following: 1) ensure the chimney is clean and the flue is open. 2) Always use a screen to prevent sparks from escaping. 3) Always extinguish the fire completely before leaving the house or going to bed. If using space heaters, keep them at least three feet away from anything that can catch fire (furniture, curtains, bedding), and never leave them unattended.
4. Keep Walkways clear- Ensure there are no obstacles or tripping hazards like gift wrapping, wires, or furniture in walkways. Place non-slip mats in areas where water may be tracked in (such as near the front door) to avoid slipping accidents.
5. Lock Doors and Windows - Keep doors and windows locked when you’re not at home, and use additional security measures such as cameras or alarms if available.
6. Secure Deliveries - Be aware of package thefts during the holiday season. Use delivery tracking or consider services like package lockers or delivery alerts.
7. Child safety -  Avoid placing small ornaments, tinsel, or other decorations within reach of young children, as they can be choking hazards. Always keep a close eye on children around candles, lighted trees, or any decorations that may pose a risk.

Enjoy a safe and Joyful holiday season!