The holiday season brings warmth and cheer to our homes through festive decorations, but it's crucial to remember that some beloved traditions can pose unexpected safety risks. From flickering candles to towering trees, many holiday decorations require careful handling and proper setup to ensure a safe celebration. Let's explore common holiday decoration hazards and learn how to prevent accidents while maintaining the magical atmosphere of the season.
Candles & Other Fires: Warmth Without Worry
The soft glow of candles creates an enchanting holiday ambiance, but open flames demand serious attention. Each year, fire departments respond to numerous house fires caused by unattended candles or decorations placed too close to heat sources.
To enjoy candles safely, consider these tips:
- Place candles at least 12 inches away from anything flammable, including curtains, decorations, and furniture
- Use sturdy holders that won't tip over easily
- Never leave lit candles unattended, and always extinguish them before going to bed
- Consider switching to battery-operated flameless candles, especially in homes with children or pets
- Keep matches and lighters stored safely away from children
Beyond candles, other fire hazards include:
- Fireplaces decorated with stockings or garland
- Burning wrapping paper in the fireplace (which can cause flash fires)
- Overloaded electrical outlets
- Space heaters placed near decorations
Snow & Ice
Whether it's real snow outside or artificial snow indoors, winter white can create safety challenges. Artificial snow sprays can cause respiratory irritation if inhaled, while natural snow and ice pose slip-and-fall risks.
Safety measures for snow-related decorations include the following:
- When using artificial snow sprays, work in well-ventilated areas and wear a face mask
- Keep artificial snow out of reach of children and pets
- Use non-slip mats at entrances where snow might be tracked in
- Clear walkways of real snow and ice before setting up outdoor decorations
- Secure outdoor decorations to prevent them from becoming hazards during winter storms
Holiday Lights: Safety Tips for Illuminating Your Home
Holiday lights transform our homes into magical displays, but electrical issues can lead to fires or injuries. Proper installation and maintenance of holiday lighting is essential for safety.
Follow these lighting safety guidelines:
- Inspect all light strands for frayed wires, broken sockets, or loose connections before use
- Replace any damaged light sets immediately
- Use indoor lights inside and outdoor lights outside – they're designed differently for a reason
- Don't exceed the recommended number of light strands that can be connected
- Turn off all holiday lights before going to bed or leaving home
- Use clips, not nails, to hang lights to prevent damage to the wiring
- Keep extension cords out of high-traffic areas to prevent tripping
- Never run electrical cords under carpets or rugs
Trees: Artificial & Natural Concerns
Whether artificial or real, Christmas trees are often the focal point of holiday decorations. However, they can also be a significant source of safety concerns if not properly handled and maintained.
For artificial trees, consider the following safety tips:
- Choose a fire-resistant model
- Check for stability before decorating
- Position away from heat sources and high-traffic areas
- Store properly to prevent deterioration that could create future safety issues
For real trees, be aware of these safety tips:
- Select a fresh tree with green needles that don't fall off easily
- Cut two inches off the trunk before placing it in the stand
- Keep the tree well-watered – check water levels daily
- Remove the tree promptly when it begins dropping needles extensively
- Position at least three feet away from any heat source
- Ensure the tree isn't blocking exits
Remember these general tree safety tips as well:
- Use appropriate decorations that won't weigh down branches
- Avoid decorations that are sharp or breakable at lower levels if you have small children or pets
- Secure the tree to prevent tipping, especially in homes with active children or pets
By following these safety guidelines, you can create a festive atmosphere while keeping your loved ones safe throughout the holiday season. Taking a few extra precautions during decoration setup can prevent accidents and allow everyone to fully enjoy the holiday celebrations. After all, the best gift we can give our families is ensuring their safety while maintaining the joy and wonder of the season.
Injured Because of Negligent Property Conditions or Decoration?
Pierce, Sloan, Kennedy & Early LLC is backed by decades of experience. If you or a loved one are injured on someone else’s property because of decoration hazards, our team can help you file a premises liability lawsuit, including slip and fall claims. Let us calculate your damages, collect evidence, establish liability, and handle the legalities while you recover and try to enjoy the rest of the holiday season.
Call (843) 968-0886 to discuss your case with one of our attorneys.