Holiday decorations are supposed to add to your enjoyment of the season, but they can be hazards in some cases. According to CPSC, more than 14,000 people in the US are treated in emergency rooms due to injuries related to holiday decorating in the two months surrounding Christmas.
Even the most innocent-looking decor can be dangerous.
Does anyone else find it a bit ironic that an angel tree topper, Precious Moments no less, is being recalled due to overheating? I guess it’s really not a very angelic topper after all.
The topper is being recalled due to undersized wiring that could cause the switch assembly to overheat, posing a fire hazard. Get more details about this recall at CPSC.
Holiday trees are involved in hundreds of fires and an average of 15 deaths annually, as well as $13 million dollars in property damage each year. According to CPSC Chairman Inez Tenenbaum, most holiday-decor fires and injuries involve defective holiday lights, dried-out Christmas trees and unattended candles.
For artificial trees, CPSC recommends looking for the label “Fire Resistant.” If you’re going for a live tree, chose a fresh, green tree with needles that can’t be pulled off or broken easily.
For both indoor and outdoor holiday lights, CPSC advises using only lights that have been tested for safety by a known national testing laboratory like UL or ETL/ITSNA. Also, avoid using electric lights on a metallic Christmas tree. Any damaged lights with loose connections, frayed wires or broken sockets should be discarded.
Candles are even bigger holiday offenders than trees. They cause 12,000 fires each year in the US. Never place a candle near items that could catch fire easily, such as curtains or evergreens, and always keep burning candles in sight. If you’re decorating with candles, avoid wearing loose, flowing clothing around them.
For more safe holiday decorating tips, download the holiday decorating brochure from CPSC.
(Image via CPSC)
Post from: Blisstree