Holiday Safety Tips

by Cristina Callegari Kanellopoulos

Every holiday season fire kills over 400 Americans, injuring 1,650 more, and causing over $990 Million in damage. (Source: the United States Fire Administration)

Following the tips below can help ensure a safe and Happy Holiday season!

Holiday Lights and Decorations:

• Inspect holiday lights every year for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, and broken or cracked sockets Before putting them up.
• Use only lighting listed by an approved testing laboratory, like UL approval
• Do not link more than three light strands, unless the directions indicate is is safe.
• Periodically check the wires; they should not be warm to the touch.
• Do not leave holiday lights unattended.
• Use only non-flammable decorations and keep all decorations away from lit fireplaces and heating vents.
• Never place wrapping paper in a fireplace; it can result in a very large fire and shoot dangerous sparks and embers that could result in a chimney fire.

Caution With Candles:

• If you do use candles, make sure they are in stable holders and place them where they can not be knocked over.
• Never leave candles unattended.
• Do not put lit candles on a Christmas tree, real or artificial.
• Keep candles well out of the reach of children and pets.
• Never leave candles burning overnight.

Christmas Tree Safety:

• If using a live tree, choose those with green needles that are hard to pull back from the branches. Needles should not break from freshly cut trees.
• Bounce the tree on the ground; if many needles fall-off, the tree is not fresh, and is a fire hazard
• Do not place your tree close to a fire place, or heating vent.
• Do not put your tree up too early, or leave it up longer than 2 weeks, as that is the average time it takes for a tree to dry out.
• Keep the tree stand filled with fresh water at all times.
• Turn-off the tree lights before going to bed, or leaving the house.
• Dispose of your tree properly, do not burn it in the fireplace, or in a wood-burning stove.

As in every season throughout the year, have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms installed on every floor of your home. Test them monthly and keep them clean and equipped with fresh batteries at all times.

On behalf of the entire Keller Williams Realty of Greater Nassau Family, and me, Cristina Callegari Kanellopoulos we wish you all a very happy and safe holiday season!