Safety tips when putting up your decorations

Before crawling up on the roof to string the Christmas lights,  remember  that every year, hospital emergency rooms treat hundreds of people for injuries, such as falls, cuts and shocks, related to holiday lights, decorations and Christmas trees.  In addition, candles and Christmas trees start many fires each year, resulting deaths, injuries and thousands of pounds of property loss. Here are some tips to make your holiday safe:

Trees

• When purchasing an artificial tree, look for the label "Fire Resistant." This indicates the tree will resist burning and should extinguish quickly.
• When setting up a tree at home, place it away from fireplaces and radiators.

Lights

• Check each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections, and throw out damaged sets. Always replace burned-out bulbs promptly with the same wattage bulbs.
• Before using lights outdoors, check to be sure they are suitable for outdoor use.
• Turn off all lights when you go to bed or leave the house. The lights could short out and start a fire.

Decorations

• Use only non-combustible or flame-resistant materials to trim a tree.
• Never use lighted candles on a tree.
• In homes with small children, take special care to avoid decorations that are sharp or breakable.