Last month, a 24-year-old man tragically lost his life from an electrical shock while hanging Christmas lights at his family’s home in Southern California. Just days later, a contractor in Massachusetts was saved by emergency responders after suffering a life-threatening shock while installing lights on a large Christmas tree.
These incidents highlight the growing need for heightened electrical and fire safety awareness during the holiday season, especially with Christmas trees, string lights, and other decorations. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), approximately 160 holiday decorating-related injuries occur daily during the season, with nearly half involving falls.
During the 2023 holiday season (Nov. 1, 2022, to Jan. 31, 2023), around 14,900 people were treated in hospitals for injuries related to holiday decorating. To keep your home safe this year, consider these important safety tips:
Tree Care: The CPSC recommends that live Christmas trees be watered regularly. For artificial trees, look for the “Fire Resistant” label to reduce the risk of fire.
Candle Safety: Never leave candles unattended and consider using flameless candles instead. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), candles caused about 46% of decoration-related fires in December, compared to 32% during the other months of the year.
Light Safety: Avoid stringing together more than three sets of incandescent lights and never overload electrical outlets. Always check holiday lights before use and dispose of any that have frayed wires, exposed areas, cracked sockets, or other signs of wear.
Tree and Heat Source Safety: The U.S. Fire Administration advises that Christmas trees be watered daily to prevent them from drying out and becoming highly flammable. Trees should be placed at least three feet away from heat sources like radiators, fireplaces, and space heaters. As trees dry out over time, they pose a significant fire risk. Dispose of trees promptly after the holiday season.
Fire Statistics: From 2018 to 2022, U.S. firefighters responded to an average of 155 home fires caused by Christmas trees each year, and 835 fires ignited by other decorations. These fires caused an average of three deaths, 30 injuries, and $14 million in property damage annually. Electrical equipment was involved in 41% of Christmas tree fires, with another 20% linked to lamps or bulbs, and 11% caused by candles.
Toy Safety: In addition to fire hazards, toy-related risks continue to be a concern. In fiscal year 2024, the CPSC and U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized more than 1.5 million unsafe or illegal toys, including over 102,000 items containing lead.
To keep children safe, the CPSC recommends the following:
Always follow age guidelines and safety information on toy packaging.
Purchase safety gear when buying riding toys, such as scooters.
Keep small toys and deflated balloons away from children under 3 years old, and keep deflated balloons from kids under 8.
By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that your holiday season remains safe for all.
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