Home Safety Tips for the Holidays

The holiday season is a special time, full of fun, happiness, and merriment. Getting the decorations out and making a holiday masterpiece is exciting for the entire family. However, the decorations you so much love can pose dangers to you and your family. It is true that quite a number of injuries occur every year due to decorating related accidents. This holiday season; decorate your home with the following tips in mind to avoid accidents.

1. Decorating fireplaces and mantels

Mantels and fireplaces are a popular spot to hang holiday decorations. Follow the guidelines below to prevent fires. Remove decorations before starting a fire in the fire place. Do not leave the fireplace unattended if a fire is lit. Do not burn paper or discarded decorations in the fireplace. The embers might escape and ignite a roof.

2. Ladder Safety

When using ladders to hang decorations, follow these precautions: Make sure that the ladder is set on the ground firmly. Do not step on the topmost step of the ladder. Place the ladder at a 75-degree angle. Use ladder pad at the bottom of the ladder to avoid slipping. Use ladders made with the nonconductive material when working with electricity.

3. Choose a safe Christmas tree

For a natural Christmas tree, select a tree that is green and fresh so that the needles do not fall off. Cut out a few inches of the trunk before putting it in the stand – keep the stand filled with water. This will allow the tree to soak in water and stay fresh for longer. Place the tree away from fire hazards such as radiators, space heaters, and fireplaces.

For an artificial tree, select a tree that is fire resistant and checks for the Underwriters Laboratory seal which is an indication that the appropriate wiring was used.

4. Candle safety

Secure candles in strong, fire-resistant holders that will not tip over. Keep flammable decorations away from the candles. Keep pets and children away from lighting candles.

5. Lighting safety

Lighting decorations can cause fires and you may risk electric shock if they are not installed correctly. Consider these tips when buying lighting decorations. It is advisable to use lights that have been tested and adhere to safety standards. Use the lights as directed by the manufacturer. Do not use any decorations with cracked sockets, frayed wires or broken bulbs. Always unplug from the power source when replacing bulbs. Do not link more than the allowed number of strands of light. Do not run the cords under rugs or across open spaces. Keep children and pets away from the cords. Ensure that all extension cords used are rated for the load they will carry. Use insulated staples and plastic hooks and clips to fasten the lights.

6. Fire safety

Fires are more common around the holiday season. To prevent a fire and be prepared in case one occurs, ensure your home has smoke and carbon monoxide detectors that are working and a fire extinguisher.

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms Purchase and install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on every floor of your home. Install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms on every level and area of your home: Locate the detectors on the ceiling but away from corners. Regularly test and replace the batteries in the alarms to ensure they are working. Fire Extinguishers

Buy multipurpose fire extinguishers for your home. They can be used for all fires. When using the fire extinguishers, it is advisable to pull the pin, and while you aim at the bottom part of the fire, squeeze the extinguishers handle and then sweep from one side to the other side of the fire.

Follow these tips to ensure your holiday season is safe for everyone. We hope that you all have a safe and wonderful holiday season, from everyone here at MCM Home Exteriors.