Source: AgriLife Today
Nancy Granovsky, AgriLife Extension family economics specialist, said Christmas tree and candle fires, decorating-related accidents and unsafe toys are among the possible dangers people need to be aware of during the holidays.
Granovsky and the National Fire Protection Association offer the following tips for candle safety:
— Keep candles at least a foot away from flammable items or surfaces.
— Do not put candles directly on surfaces. Use a sturdy candle holder with a drip plate for wax.
— Blow out candles when you leave the home or go to bed and avoid using candles in the bedroom or other areas where people may fall asleep.
— Replace candles before they burn all the way down or before the flame gets too close to the holder or container.
— In the event of a power outage, use flashlights or other battery-powered lighting instead of candles.
Granovsky and the safety commission offered the following suggestions for reducing injuries from Christmas decorations:
— If purchasing an artificial Christmas tree, choose one that is labeled as fire resistant.
— Take extra care when using a ladder to place holiday decorations, particularly when putting up heavy decorations with sharp edges or breakable components.
— Use lights that have the label of an independent testing laboratory and only where appropriate.
— Replace old or worn out light strings and turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.
— Never use lit candles as a Christmas tree decoration. Keep any lit candles in sight and away from flammable items — and far from areas where they may be knocked over.
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