For many, one of the primary concerns at Christmas is the holiday decor. Putting up lights, placing wreaths and hanging ornaments can keep us busy in December or even earlier. Many people spend hours planning and then many more hours setting up outdoor displays and lighting, for many it is a holiday tradition.
Safety should always be considered in all your decorations. Check these items to be sure you are being safe:
• When you buy a tree, have an inch cut off the bottom to help the tree absorb water.
• If you buy your tree early and keep it outside, store it away from wind and sun, and keep the bottom in a bucket of water.
• Make sure your lights are safe and carry certification from a testing laboratory.
• Don’t use electric lights on a metal tree.
• Discard and replace any strings of lights that are frayed or broken.
• Unplug your Christmas tree before you leave or go to bed.
• Don’t buy a tree that is dry and dropping needles. To check for freshness, loosely grip the end of a branch and pull your hand over it. Only a few needles should fall off.
• Make sure your tree stand holds plenty of water, and don’t let it run out.
• Keep your tree at least three feet from furnaces, radiators and fireplaces.