Decorating Your Way to a Safe and Joyful Holiday

A little tinsel here, a light strand there…decorating is a great way to get in the spirit of the season. However, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission cautions that decorating-related injuries also often land people in emergency rooms during the holidays.

To avoid putting a damper on your holidays—and to keep yourself and your loved ones safe—check out these tips for decorating safely from the Commission.

Be cautious with potentially poisonous plants, like mistletoe, holly berries and amaryllis, and keep them  away from children; check that artificial trees are labeled “fire resistant”; with real trees, cut off 2 in. of the trunk for better water absorption, water it and remove it when dry; keep your tree at least 3 ft. away from fireplaces, radiators and other heat sources, while also not blocking doorways; don’t place breakable ornaments or those with small, detachable parts on lower tree branches where small children or pets can reach them; only use indoor lights indoors and outdoor lights outdoors, and use the correct ladder when hanging them; don’t use light sets with broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections; follow the package directions on the number of light sets that can be plugged into one socket; never nail, tack or stress wiring when hanging lights and keep plugs off the ground away from puddles and snow; and always turn off all lights and decorations when you go to bed or leave the house.

By following these tips, you’ll lay the foundation for a happy and safe holiday season.