Christmas is around the corner, and many of us are decorating our homes for the holiday. However, according to the American Red Cross, December is the peak time for home fires involving candles and holiday decorations.
Here are some safety tips from the American Red Cross:
- For holiday lighting, choose decorations that are flame-resistant or flame-retardant.
- Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both. It is important to make sure you have the right lights for where you are decorating
- Replace any string lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the number of lights you can safely connect
- Use clips instead of nails to hang lights, so the cords do not get damaged
- If you choose to use a real Christmas tree, pick one that has fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched. Before placing the tree in the stand, cut two inches from the base of the trunk.
- Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents, or lights, and make sure the tree is not blocking an exit
- Add water to the tree every day
- Never use lit candles to decorate the tree, and always turn off the tree lights before leaving home or going to bed
- If you are buying an artificial tree, look for a fire-resistant label. When putting it up, keep it away from fireplaces, radiators, and other sources of heat. Never use electric lights on metallic trees
- When using candles to decorate, remember that a candle is an open flame, and it can easily ignite anything that can burn. As an alternative, use flameless candles, as they can look and smell like real candles. If you choose to use real candles:
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- Blow out all candles when you leave a room or go to bed
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- Avoid the use of candles in the bedroom and other areas where people fall asleep
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- Keep candles at least one foot away from anything that can burn
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- Use candle holders that are sturdy and won’t tip over easily. Put candle holders on a sturdy, uncluttered surface
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- Light candles carefully
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- Don’t burn a candle all the way down. Make sure to put them out before they get too close to the holder or container
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- Never use a candle if oxygen is used in the home
If you are going to use candles as decoration, it is important to place smoke alarms on each level of your home, including inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas. In addition to testing your smoke alarms once a month, change the batteries at least once a year if your model requires it. Check the manufacturer’s date of your smoke alarms. If they’re 10 years or older, they need to be replaced because the sensor becomes less sensitive over time. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
It is important to decorate as safely as possible. If you or a loved one gets injured while decorating, you can receive treatment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. Please call (718) 206-7001. Call 911 if there is an emergency.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.