TapRooT® Holiday Tip: Deck the Halls… Safely (Part 2)
Last week we shared some quick tips and staggering stats on Fall Safety and Electrical Safety during the holiday season. Here are a few tips from The Electrical Safety Foundation International to keep you and your children safe when displaying your decorations.
Fire Safety
- Make sure your Christmas tree is fresh, and keep it hydrated by refilling the stand. It will pose less of a fire hazard this way.
- With artificial trees, look for a fire resistant one.
- Don’t use electrical ornaments or lights on trees with metallic leaves or tinsel in them.
- Place your tree at least 3 feet away form heat sources, including fireplaces, radiators, and heaters.
- 45% of home décor fires start with candles.
- An average of 260 homes fires begin with Christmas trees each year, resulting in 12 deaths, 24 injuries, and $16.4 million in damage.
Check out this Fire safety video comparing the flammability of a poorly watered tree and properly watered tree: Click Here
Child Safety
- Keep children supervised around candles and electrical lights.
- Never allow them to use garlands, tree lights, and cords as playthings – they pose a strangulation hazard.
- All small, fragile ornaments and decorations should be placed out of children’s reach, as children may break them and get hurt, or simply put them in their mouth.
- Cover all unused outlet with electrical tape or plastic covers.
Happy Holidays and stay safe, from all of us at TapRooT®!
