Holiday Safety Tips
Light Up Your Tree … Not Your Home
Only Santa has a Magical Vehicle…Don’t Drink & Drive
Keep everything at least 3 feet away from portable floor space heaters
Talk to your kids about electric lights, cords and decorations – Don’t touch!
Examine your lights for wear – kids can help point out unlit bulbs, but they shouldn’t handle the strands.
If you have a live tree, set a family tree-watering plan and if your kids are old enough, let them participate.
Check your holiday decorations to make sure they are not a choking hazard.
Turn pot handles inward when cooking to avoid being grabbed by kids.
Review your fire escape plan. Do your holiday decorations block any essential exits?
Learn what a UL Mark looks like and teach your kids to find them on products.
If you use candles and matches, make sure they are stored in a locked cabinet or well away from children.
Test your smoke alarm. Need new batteries? Replace them.
Recycle wrapping paper into cards or tags and use again.
Recycle your tree at a local recycling center. Find one near you at www.earth911.com
- December is the peak time of year for home candle fires. In December, 13% of home candle fires begin with decorations compared to 4% the rest of the year.
- More than half of all candle fires start when something that can burn (decorations, furniture, mattresses, bedding, curtains) is too close to the candle.
- In 20% of candle fires, they have been left unattended.
- Over 36% of home candle fires begin in the bedroom.
- Falling asleep is a factor in 12% of home candle fires and 36% of the associated deaths.
- 50% of home candle fire deaths occur between Midnight and 6:00 a.m.
- Young children and older adults have the highest death risk from candle fires.
- The risk of fatal candle fires appears higher when candles are used for light.
- Use flameless candles - they look, smell and feel like real candles!
- If you use candles, place in metal, glass or ceramic holders, where they can’t be knocked down.
- Keep candles at least 12 inches from anything that can burn.
- Keep candles out of the reach of children and pets.
- Never use a candle near medical oxygen. The two can combine to create a large, unexpected fire.
- Always use a flashlight – not a candle – for emergency lighting.
- Never put candles on a Christmas tree.
- Extinguish candles after use and before going to bed.
- NEVER leave burning candles unattended!