All the trimmings. Decking the halls with boughs of faux holly, garlands and the like is safer when they’re made from non-combustible materials. Wrapping paper should be kept away from the fireplace and removed from the tree area when gifts have been opened. If you’re buying an artificial tree, look for a statement on the box or label indicating it’s fire-resistant. And if the tree comes already festooned with lights, the box should bear the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) label.
Only buy fresh. Old, dry trees can turn into kindling when your Christmas lights heat up. If you’re buying a natural tree, play it safe by ensuring it’s fresh. Look for these signs:
- Needles are green with no brown patches
- When you bend the needles, they don’t break
- The bottom of the trunk is sticky with resin
- Needles don’t fall from the tree when the trunk is bounced on the ground
Light maintenance. Choose only lights that have been tested for safety. Before using new or old lights, check for broken or cracked sockets, frayed wires or loose connections. Don’t use more than three standard-sized sets of lights on each extension cord. And turn all decorative lights off when you go to bed or leave your home.
A party favor. The best favor a host can do for guests is to get them home safely:
- Keep the ice in the drinks, not on your walkway
- Have a supply of non-alcoholic choices
- Don’t serve alcohol to someone who’s impaired
- Keep taxi company phone numbers handy
- Identify designated drivers to help home guests who shouldn’t drive
Give yourself the gift of protection. Consider extra insurance such as Kemper’s Personal Catastrophe Liability to safeguard your assets should you be held liable for an accident involving a guest who leaves your home after a holiday event.
For more information, contact Scautub Agency today!