Thanks to the classic Christmas poem, we all know to hang our stockings by the chimney with care. But the modern damagers of decking the halls at Christmastime call for additional safety precautions. According to U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), holiday mishaps result in visits to the emergency room or calls to fire departments, for thousands of consumers each year. As an emergency flood and fire restoration company, Carpet Tech has seen the destructive aftermath of a disaster- some of which were avoidable. No one wants to sacrifice trimming the tree or hanging Christmas lights, so we’ve assembled some safety reminders to keep the Christmas elves in your home safe.

LADDERS

There is no better way to really shine during the holidays than to adorn the eves of your home with festive outdoor lights. But ladders can mean danger, so here are some rules of thumb to ascend your roof safely.

• Heed the warning labels on ladders
• Face the ladder while climbing up and down
• Only put ladders on a stable, level surface
• Maintain three points of contact (two hands and a foot, or two feet and hand)
• Check for and avoid overhead power lines

LIVE AND ARTIFICIAL TREES

Nowadays Christmas trees come in all shapes, sizes and colors; and while each tree is as unique as the family who decorates it, they can all pose fire hazards.

• Search for a live tree that is fresh and green. Look for needles that are hard to pull from branches, and do not break when bent between your fingers. The bottom of a fresh tree is sticky with resin, and when tapped on the ground, the tree should not lose many needles.
• Place your tree it away from heat sources, such as fireplaces, vents, and radiators. Because heated rooms rapidly dry out live trees, be sure to monitor water levels daily, and keep the tree stand filled with water. Place the tree out of the way of foot traffic, and do not block doorways with the tree.
• When buying an artificial tree, look for the label: “Fire Resistant.” Although this label does not mean that the tree will not catch fire, the label does indicate that the tree is more resistant to catching fire.

CANDLES

Aww.. the warm glow and sweet fragrance of a holiday candle defiantly sets a festive mood, but beware, it only takes a spark to start a fire.

• Keep burning candles within sight. Extinguish all candles before you go to bed, leave the room, or leave the house.
• Keep candles on a stable, heat-resistant surface. Place candles where kids and pets cannot reach them or knock them over. Lighted candles should be placed away from items that can catch fire, such as trees, other evergreens, decorations, curtains, and furniture.

OUTDOOR LIGHTS

We’ve all seen Clark Griswold light up the neighborhood with an atrocious amount of Christmas lights. While this is a comical favorite, there are real dangers to take precaution against when hanging outdoor lights.

• Use lights that have been tested. Lights for both indoor and outdoor use must meet strict requirements that testing laboratories are able to verify.
• Check each set of lights. Examine new and old lights for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. Throw out damaged sets, and do not use electric lights on a metallic tree.
• Check each extension cord. Make sure each extension cord is rated for the intended use and is in good condition. Do not use cords with cuts or signs of fraying.
• the right ladder for the task when hanging lights
• Replace light sets that have broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections
• Follow the package directions on the number of light sets that can be plugged into one socket
• Never nail, tack or stress wiring when hanging lights and keep plugs off the ground away from puddles and snow
• Turn off all lights and decorations when you go to bed or leave the house

From our family to yours, Carpet Tech wishes you a happy and safe holiday season.