Decking your home out for the season is great fun, but as you trim your tree and string up the lights, there are a few important safety tips to consider. Please take a few minutes to review our list to ensure your home is a safe zone for your friends and family to gather.
- Don’t use any string lights with exposed or frayed wires, loose connections, or broken plugs. If you aren’t sure how old a strand is, it’s best to toss them rather than take the chance of a safety hazard.
- Swap incandescent lights for LEDs, which are more energy efficient and burn cooler.
- Never connect more than three strings of lights together.
- Keep electrical cords out of reach from children and pets.
- Make sure that any string lights you use outside are actually for outdoor use and connect them to a GFI outlet.
- Poinsettias, mistletoe, and holly are poisonous to cats and dogs, so be sure to place them out of reach or purchase artificial plants.
- Keep real and artificial trees at least 3 feet away from heat sources including fireplaces and heat vents.
- Do not place burning candles near your Christmas tree and be sure never leave any burning candle unattended. We recommend battery-operated candles instead of the real thing!
- Water live trees daily. A dry tree is a fire hazard.
- Check your smoke detectors to ensure they are in working order.
Enjoy your holiday festivities!
Topics: Featured, holiday entertaining, Safety Tips, thompson remodeling grand rapids mi
