Wednesday, December 16, 2015
As the holidays round the corner, many families decorate to spread some cheer and make their homes more festive. While holiday decorations can be fun and beautiful, they can also present fire hazards. To keep your home and family safe this holiday season, please consider the following decorating tips.
Christmas Tree Tips
- Cut a 2-inch diagonal piece off the bottom of the trunk of your tree. This will help the tree absorb water.
- Place the tree in a sturdy stand at least 3 feet away from heat sources such as heating vents and fireplaces.
- Make sure that your tree stand is able to hold water. Refill it every day.
Only keep a tree in your home for two weeks, because it will dry out quickly and can become highly flammable.
- Only buy electrical decorations that have a UL rating on the label, which indicates that they have been tested for safe use.
- Follow all installation and usage instructions for lighting decorations to ensure that you are not increasing your chance of starting a fire.
- Inspect new and used lights before using them and discard any that have cracks, exposed wires or loose connections. Replace any bulbs that are missing.
- Do not connect more than three sets of lights to an extension cord at one time.
- Plug outside lighting only into a ground fault circuit interrupting (GFCI) outlet, as this will safeguard the outlet from any interaction with water.
- Do not secure outside lights with staples or nails, and avoid placing indoor extension cords under carpeting, rugs and furniture.
- Unplug lighting decorations before going to bed and leaving the house.
Call Heil & Heil to learn more about preventing loss. We are here to help you have a safe and happy year!
Heil & Heil Insurance Agency LLC