Have you ever left the room or fallen asleep while candles are burning? According to a recent survey from the American Red Cross, almost a third of us have done it, and December is the peak month for in-home candle fires.
Many of us will be home more often this holiday season, celebrating with a smaller group of loved ones. The Red Cross Los Angeles Region offers the following suggestions for holiday decorating to keep everyone safe, and the season a merry one.
1. Check all holiday light cords to make sure they aren’t frayed or broken. Don’t string too many strands of lights together — no more than three per extension cord. Turn off all holiday lights when going to bed or leaving the house.
2. Ensure outside decorations are for outdoor use and fasten lights securely to your home or trees. If using hooks or nails outside, make sure they are insulated to avoid electrocution or fire hazard.
3. Look for the fire-resistant label when buying an artificial tree. Keep it away from fireplaces, radiators and other sources of heat. Never use electric lights on metallic trees.
4. If getting a live tree, make sure it’s fresh and keep it watered. Bend the needles up and down to make sure no needles fall off.
5. Don’t light the fireplace if hanging stockings on the mantel.
6. Check the labels of older decorations. Some older tinsel is lead-based. If using angel hair, wear gloves to avoid irritation. Avoid breathing in artificial snow.
7. Have good, stable placement when using a ladder and wear shoes that allow for good traction.
The Red Cross also recommends testing smoke alarms monthly and practicing your home fire escape plan until everyone can escape in less than two minutes, which may be the amount of time you have to get out of a burning home before it’s too late.