Keep Your Holiday Safe: Practice Safe Decorating

National Fire Protection Association

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Christmas trees are among the most popular decorations of yuletide, but they also can be deadly. In 2000-2004 on average, one out of every 22 Christmas tree fires in homes resulted in a death, according to the National Fire Protection Association

Holiday greenery is so beautiful and festive! But avoid trees or wreaths with dried out needles.

(NFPA).

To help families avoid such tragedies this holiday season, Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) and the NFPA are partnering to remind people that a little common sense and precaution can help create a safer holiday season.

NFPA statistics show that, on average, live and artificial Christmas trees are the ignition sources of 300 reported U.S. home structure fires each year resulting in 14 fatalities, 21 injuries and $16.8 million in property damage.

“The last thing you want during the holidays is a blazing Christmas tree,” said Lorraine Carli, NFPA’s assistant vice president of communications. “Following simple safety measures like making sure your tree is well watered, and keeping open flames, such as burning candles, away from the tree will help keep you and your home safe.”

In addition, 44 percent of Christmas tree fires are caused by an electrical problem or malfunction. Decorators should make sure that any electrical cords they use are in good working order.

“Damaged or misused electric light strings and extension cords, if left unchecked before you put them up, can deliver shocks and potentially cause home fires,” said John Drengenberg, consumer affairs manager for UL. “If they are damaged or have frayed wires, you should buy new ones. They are relatively cheap and incredibly good insurance for keeping your holiday season safe.”

UL reminds consumers to inspect light strings for cracked sockets and frayed, bare or loose wires. Look for the holographic UL Mark on light strings and electrical decorations. The UL Mark means that UL engineers have tested samples of the product for safety hazards. The not-for-profit safety testing organization also certifies lights for indoor or outdoor use. Lights intended for indoor-only use have green holographic UL Marks. Light strings intended for indoor and outdoor use have red holographic UL Marks.

House fires and electrical shocks aren’t the only preventable accidents that injure holiday revelers and damage or destroy property. Each year 12,500 people are treated in emergency rooms for injuries related to holiday decoration mishaps, according to the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC).

Drengenberg added, “We also hear about people falling off ladders while decorating, and we see a substantial number of house fires started by candles this time of year. The most common causes of candle fires are candles burning too close to combustible materials, such as mattresses or bedding, furniture, curtains or walls, or candles left unattended. Candles should be kept away from combustible materials and away from spots where they could be knocked over by people or pets.”

Checklist for keeping the home safe this holiday season

Christmas trees

• A red holographic UL label on a decoration means it is safe for both indoor and outdoor use. A green UL label means it should be used for indoor use only. Photo: Underwriters Laboratories (UL)

  Regularly check your tree for fresh, green needles. Trees that have dried out over several weeks burn faster than fresher, well-watered ones.
  
  
• Remember to keep your tree watered at all times.
  
  
• Make sure your tree stand holds at least 1 gallon of water. As a general rule, stands should provide 1 quart of water per inch of trunk diameter. The average 6-foot tree has a 4-inch diameter trunk and can consume as much as 4 quarts or 1 gallon of water per day.
  
  
• Keep your tree at least 3 feet from fireplaces, radiators, space heaters, heating vents and other sources of heat. Don’t place the tree where it blocks an exit.
  
  
• Never use lit candles to decorate a Christmas tree.

Lighting

• Look for the UL Mark on light strings, electrical decorations and extension cords. The UL Mark means that UL engineers have tested representative samples of the product for foreseeable safety hazards such as fire and electric shock.
  
  
• Ensure outside lights, decorations and extension cords are rated for outside use. Lights intended for indoor-only use bear green holographic UL Marks. Light strings intended for indoor and outdoor use bear red holographic UL Marks.
  
  
• Carefully inspect each electrical decoration—new or old—before plugging it in. Cracked sockets, frayed, bare or loose wires can cause a serious electric shock or start a fire. Replace damaged items with new, UL-listed decorations.
  
  
• Don't use staples or nails to hang light strings. Instead, purchase plastic hooks or clips designed for hanging light strings.
  
  
• Don't overload extension cords by plugging in too many decorations.
  
  
• Turn off all electrical lights and decorations before leaving home or going to bed.
  
  
• Read and follow the manufacturer's instructions for electrical decorations.

About the National Fire Protection Association. NFPA has been a worldwide leader in providing fire, electrical, building, and life safety to the public since 1896. The mission of the international nonprofit organization is to reduce the worldwide burden of fire and other hazards on the quality of life by providing and advocating consensus codes and standards, research, training and education.