Holiday Decoration Safety Tips:
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Trees

Many artificial trees are fire resistant. If you buy one, look for a statement specifying this protection.

A fresh tree will stay green longer and be less of a fire hazard than a dry tree.

Place the tree out of the way of traffic and do not block doorways. Use thin guy-wires to secure a large tree to walls or ceilings. These wires are almost invisible.


"Snow"

Artificial snow sprays can irritate lungs if inhaled. To avoid injury, read container labels; follow directions carefully.


Lights

Indoors or outside, use only lights that have been tested for safety. Identify these by the label from an independent testing

laboratory.

Check each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. Discard damaged sets or repair them before using.

Fasten outdoor lights securely to trees, house walls or other firm support to protect from wind damage.

Use no more than three standard-size sets of lights per single extension cord.

Turn off al lights on trees and other decorations when you go to bed or leave the house. Lights could short and start a fire.

Never use electric lights on a metallic tree.

The tree can become charged with electricity from faulty lights, and any person touching a branch could be electrocuted! To avoid this danger, use colored spotlights above or beside a tree, never fastened onto it.

Keep "bubbling" lights away from children. These lights with their bright colors and bubbling movement can tempt curious children to break candle-shaped glass, which can cut, and attempt to drink liquid, which contains a hazardous chemical.

Candles

Never use lighted candles on a tree or near other evergreens.

Always use non-flammable holders.

Keep candles away from other decorations and wrapping paper.

Place candles where they cannot be knocked down or blown over.


Trimmings

Use only non-combustible or flame-resistant materials.

Wear gloves while decorationg with spun glass "angel hair" to avoid irritation to eyes and skin.

Choose tinsel or artificial icicles or plastic or non-leaded metals. Leaded materials are hazardous if ingested by children.

In homes with small children, take special care to:

* Avoid decorations that are sharp or breakable.

* Keep trimmings with small removable parts out of the reach of children. Pieces
could be swallowed or inhaled.

* Avoid trimmings that resemble candy or food. A child could eat them!


Paper

When making paper decorations, look for materials labeled non-combustible or flame resistant.

Never place trimming near open flames or electrical connections.

Remove all wrapping papers from tree and fireplace areas immediately after presents are open.



General Rules for Holiday Safety

* Keep matches, lighters, and candles out of the reach of children.

* Avoid smoking near flammable decorations.

* Make an emergency plan to use if a fire breaks out anywhere in the home. See that
each family member knows what to do.

PRACTICE THE PLAN!

* Avoid wearing loose flowing clothes - particularly long, open sleeves - near open
flames - such as those of a stove,or candlelit table.

* Never burn candles near evergreens. When dry, greens burn like tinder. Flames can
flare out of control, and send sparks flying into a room.

* Plan for safety. Remember, there is no substitute for common sense. Look for and
eliminate potential danger spots near candles, trees, and/or electrical
connections.


Christmas Safety Tips:

http://www.sosnet.com/safety/christmas.html

http://www.smfd.ca.gov/christmas.htm

http://www.rd.com/christmas-safety-checklist/article15322.html

http://www.kate.net/holidays/christmas/holidaysafety.html

http://www.nsc.org/resources/factsheets/hl/holiday_safety.aspx

http://www.ul.com/seasonal/opdec/light.html

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08104.html

http://www.redcross.org/article/0,1072,0_312_4862,00.html

http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/citizens/all_citizens/home_fire_prev/holiday-seasonal/

http://www.safetycenter.navy.mil/safetips/christmastree.htm

http://www.nfpa.org/categoryList.asp?categoryID=296&URL=Research%20&%20Reports/Fact%20sheets/Seasonal%20safety/Christmas%20tr
ee%20fires

http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Fact_Sheets/Seasonal_Food_Safety_Fact_Sheets/index.asp

http://home-lighting.suite101.com/article.cfm/decorating_with_christmas_lights_safety_tips

http://www.irishhealth.com/article.html?level=4&id=4505