Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the Christmas decoration season in many homes. During this time, homes with children fill with festive spirit through Christmas trees, lights, ornaments, and candles. In some neighborhoods, competitions even begin among neighbors to create the most impressive decorations.
From colorful lights on the roof, luminous snowflakes on windows, and shiny ribbons on trees and gardens to Christmas music filling the living room—the magic of Christmas is everywhere.
However, behind this beautiful scene, there are significant risks that can endanger your home and family: fires and accidents caused by the installation or use of Christmas decorations. In fact, 20% of Christmas tree fires are caused by faulty bulbs and lamps, while 11% are due to candles.
Here are some practical tips to prevent Christmas fires and accidents, so you can enjoy the season worry-free:
Choose the Right Lights:
Some lights are designed exclusively for indoor use and should not be installed outdoors, such as on patios or facades.
Replace Faulty Lights:
If a string of lights has missing bulbs or damaged wires, replace it immediately to avoid risks.
Avoid Using Nails to Attach Lights:
Nails can damage wires and cause short circuits. Use plastic clips to secure them safely.
Natural Trees:
If you choose a natural tree, make sure it’s fresh. The needles should not fall off when touched.
Place the trunk in a water container and keep it at least three feet away from any heat source, such as radiators or candles.
Safe Candles:
Never use real candles to decorate the tree. Opt for LED artificial candles.
Protect Small Children:
Blinking lights can be very attractive to children. Place them out of their reach to avoid accidents.
Artificial Trees:
If you prefer an artificial tree, ensure it’s fire-resistant (made from fire-retardant materials).
Avoid Overloading Outlets:
Distribute lights and electrical decorations across multiple outlets to prevent overloading.
Turn Off Lights When Away:
Never leave lights on when leaving your home or while sleeping. This reduces the risk of unexpected short circuits or fires.
Take extra care when using electrical decorations or candles, and follow the manufacturer’s safety recommendations to protect your home.
Conclusion
Safety during the holidays is as important as the Christmas spirit. Follow these recommendations to enjoy a magical and worry-free Christmas.
If you’d like more tips on how to protect your home and lower your homeowner’s insurance costs, contact Univista Insurance, and our specialists will be happy to assist you.
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