ReadyWisconsin: Make safety your holiday tradition

WISCONSIN – As people prepare to brighten their homes with holiday cheer and get into the festive spirit, ReadyWisconsin is urging everyone to keep safety at the top of their holiday checklist.

“Holiday decorations should bring joy and not danger into people’s homes,” said Wisconsin Emergency Management Administrator Greg Engle. “By taking a few extra moments to prevent hazards in your homes, you can create a joyful and safe environment.”

Holiday lights and candles can brighten homes, but that glow can quickly turn into a disaster. Fire departments across the country responded to an average of 832 home fires that began with decorations and an average of 145 fires started with holiday trees, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

Keep holiday decorating safe with these helpful tips:

• Water your live holiday tree regularly and look for the “Fire Resistant” label when buying an artificial tree. Place trees at least three feet away from heat sources, such as a heater or fireplace.
• Never leave candles unattended. Keep burning candles in sight, away from anything flammable. Extinguish candles before leaving the room. Use flameless candles whenever possible.
• Inspect all string lights and electrical décor before using. Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Read manufacturer’s instructions for number of light strands to connect.
• Never string together more than three sets of incandescent lights, and never overload electrical outlets or power strips.
• Use clips, not nails, to hang lights so the cords do not get damaged.
• Be sure to turn off all lights on trees and other decorations when going to bed or leaving the house. Unplug extension cords when they are not in use.

Unexpected injuries could also occur while decorating your home with some holiday magic. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, on average there are about 160 holiday decorating-related injuries each day during the holiday season, with nearly half of the injuries involving falls. To prevent holiday decorating injuries:

• Choose a sturdy ladder that is the correct height and weight limit.
• Wear shoes that allow for good traction.
• Do not stand on chairs, countertops or tables when decorating.
• Clear pathways including outdoor sidewalks of trip hazards, such as clutter, power cords and extra furniture.
• Fix uneven walkways and steps inside and outside the home to help prevent falls.

The holidays also mean gatherings with families and friends. If you’re hosting a holiday party, stay fire safe by keeping the kitchen free of distraction, clear decorations away from around the stove and oven and always have a fire extinguisher available nearby. Christmas Day and Christmas Eve are ranked as the second- and third-leading days of the year for home cooking fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

Test your smoke alarms to make sure they are working properly and replace any batteries if you have not done so recently. Smoke alarms should be located on every level of your home and be tested monthly. Create an escape plan with your family and practice it so everyone knows two ways to get out of the house in the event of a fire.

About ReadyWisconsin

ReadyWisconsin is a public service campaign of Wisconsin Emergency Management, a division of the Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs.

In alignment with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s national Ready campaign, ReadyWisconsin aims to educate and empower Wisconsinites to prepare for and respond to both natural and human-made emergencies, while engaging the public and boosting basic preparedness statewide.