posted November 25, 2008
Holiday decorations add a happy, festive mood to the season. But, when used improperly, they can cause fire, injuries and even fatalities.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that hospital emergency rooms treat about 12,500 people each year for falls, cuts, shocks and burns caused by faulty holiday lights, dried-out Christmas trees and other decorations.
Christmas trees are involved in about 300 fires annually, leading to 10 deaths, 30 injuries and an average $10 million in property damage and loss.
There are more than 13,000 candle-related fires each year, resulting in 140 deaths and $205 million in property loss.
Dr. Kenny Hayman, MD, medical director of the Emergency Department at Parkridge Medical Center, said, "Decorating for the holidays is part of the culture we live in today, but some people get a little carried away and create potential hazards in the process.
"And kids are great imitators, so if they see mom or dad crawling on the roof or doing something else potentially dangerous, they might be inclined to do so as well."
The following tips from various federal agencies and affirmed by Dr. Hayman can help make your upcoming holiday a safe one.
If purchasing an artificial tree, look for the "fire resistant" label. A live tree should be fresh (i.e., green, needles firmly on and not dry) and when tapped on the ground, most needles should remain.
When setting up at home, remember to keep the tree away from fireplaces, radiators, walking traffic and doorways. Keep the stand filled with water.
Indoors or out, use lights tested for safety by a recognized laboratory, like UL (Underwriters Laboratories), and with plugs containing fuses. Check lights for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections, and discard damaged sets. Turn off all lights when going to bed or leaving the house. Never pull or tug when removing outdoor lights.
In addition, use only non-combustible or flame-retardant materials for tree trimming. Keep burning candles within sight, and never use lighted candles on a tree. Take care to avoid sharp or breakable decorations from children, and keep small removable parts from them as well.
When it comes to the fireplace, keep a screen in place to prevent sparks from igniting nearby flammable items.
"Christmas is a time for celebration, and you don't want to put your family at risk," Dr. Hayman said. "To help protect against hazards in and around the house, invite a friend or relative over to provide another pair of eyes. These opportunities also can be a wonderful teaching tool for children as they grow older and get more involved."
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