California Personal Injury Attorney Discusses Holiday Decorating Safety

Each year, approximately 12,000 Americans receive emergency medical attention for injuries sustained while decorating for the holidays, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Lights, trees, and ornaments, when used improperly, can pose a serious risk of injury or death, warns a California personal injury attorney.

Here are some holiday decorating safety suggestions from the CPSC:

Trees

When buying an artificial tree, look for the label "Fire Resistant." While this label does not mean that the tree is incapable of igniting into flames, it does indicate that it is more resistant to fire.

Freshly cut trees are always preferable to older ones. A fresh tree is green, its needles are difficult to pull from the branches, and they do not break when bent between the fingers. Such trees are sticky with resin at the trunk and do not lose many needles when tapped on the ground.

Place your tree away from fireplaces and radiators. Heated rooms cause trees to dry out quickly, so be sure to monitor the water levels in the tree's stand. A Christmas tree should never block entryways or areas prone to heavy foot traffic.

Lights

Regardless of whether the lights will be placed indoors or outdoors, use only ones that have been tested for safety by a notable laboratory. Select only newer lights that have thicker wiring and safety fuses to prevent them from overheating.

Check each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. Replace damaged sets.

Check an extension cord’s rating for usage guidelines prior to plugging in lights.

If stringing up lights outside, they must be certified for outdoor use. Such lights should only be plugged into a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) receptacle, explains a California personal injury attorney.

Never use electric lights on a metallic tree.

General Holiday Safety Guidelines

Store matches, lighters, and candles in a safe place where children cannot access them.

Do not smoke near flammable decorations.

Avoid wearing loose flowing clothing near open flames, such as those of a fireplace, stove, or candlelit table.

Never burn candles near flammable materials, such as the Christmas tree, wreaths, or garlands.

Evergreens should never be used as kindling for a fire, as such materials can burn like tinder when dry, sending sparks into the room or up the chimney to ignite creosote deposits.

In addition to these guidelines, every family should devise an emergency plan in case of a house fire. With the added risk of a fire that the Christmas tree, lights, and candles pose, everyone in the house should be aware of the safest and most immediate exit. Such precautions will ensure a safe and happy holiday.

By: Larry Drexel

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Larry Drexel is a Public Relations manager. To obtain free, informative books or articles, or to find a qualified California Personal Injury Attorney, she suggests visiting California Personal Injury Attorney.