How to Stay Injury and Fire Free Over the Holidays

There are about 200 decorating related injuries each day during the holiday season. Each year there are about 100 Christmas Tree fires resulting in about 10 deaths and $12 million in property loss.

On December 6, 2018 the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) held a joint event to promote consumer safety during the holiday season.

The CPSC reported emergency room departments treated about 18,400 holiday decorating injuries between November 2017 and January 2018.

Thirty-eight percent of those injuries involved falls with the remainder percentage involving lacerations, sprains, and other injuries. Two people died as a result of falls from ladders.

Key Safety Recommendations:

Trees and Decorations:

- If you buy a cut Christmas tree, check for freshness.

- If you buy an artificial tree, ensure it’s labeled “Fire Resistant”.

- Place trees at a distance from heat sources such as fireplaces, vents, and radiators.

- If children are in your home, avoid sharp or breakable decorations. Keep trimmings with small parts out of children’s reach.

Candles:

- If you decorate with candles, always keep then in sight. If you leave the area where candles are burning, extinguish them.

- If children or pets are present, consider what additional safety measures are needed.

- Place candles on stable, heat resistant surfaces away from trees, curtains, furniture, and flammable decorations.

Lights:

- Use only U.L or other nationally recognized laboratory tested and approved lights.

- Hand check each light set. Dispose of unsafe lights new or old.

- Don’t use electric lights on metallic trees or objects.

- Use only U.L. tested extension cords rated for the intended purpose. Inspect for safety.

- If you’re using outdoor lights, inspect them for safety. Ensure they are outdoor rated.

Fireplaces:

- Avoid putting wrapping paper in fireplaces. Doing so can result in sudden ignition risking burns and fires outside the fireplace.

Smoke Alarms

- Ensure working smoke alarms are installed on every floor and in every bedroom. Smoke and C02 alarms save lives.

- Test smoke alarms monthly and change batteries at least once annually.

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Resource for This Episode:

“CPSC and NIST Team Up to Demonstrate Holiday Decorating Hazards”
https://www.cpsc.gov/Newsroom/News-Releases/2019/CPSC-and-NIST-Team-Up-to-Demonstrate-Holiday-Decorating-Hazards