Holiday Safety - Do You Decorate The Safe Way?

Have you finished (or at least started) your holiday decorating? I had a blast this year decorating with Lil Man. Everything was 'wow' and 'neat'. He loved putting up the tree and the ornaments. However, keeping the ornaments on the tree has been a challenge. 
But with holiday decorating also comes holiday safety (or sometimes lack thereof). Here are some helpful tips from the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) 

"Follow these basic safety guidelines to help prevent serious electrical and fire hazards as you decorate your home and yard this season:
Christmas Trees
• When purchasing a live tree, check for freshness. A fresh tree will stay green longer and be less of a fire hazard than a dry tree. 
• Cut 1-2 inches from the base of the trunk immediately before placing the tree in the stand and filling with water to ensure water absorption. 
• Because heated rooms dry out live trees rapidly, be sure to keep the stand filled with water by refilling daily.
• When purchasing an artificial tree, look for the label “Fire Resistant.” This label indicates that the tree is more resistant to burning.
• Don’t use electrical ornaments or light strings on artificial trees with metallic leaves or branch coverings.
• Place your tree at least 3 feet away from all heat sources, including fireplaces, radiators, and space heaters.
• When trimming a tree, only use non-combustible or flame-resistant materials.
Candles
• Avoid using candles when possible. Consider using battery-operated candles in place of traditional candles.
• Never leave an open flame unattended. Keep burning candles within sight.
• Place lighted candles away from combustible material such as other decorations and wrapping paper.
• Take care to place candle displays in locations where they cannot be knocked over.
• Never use lighted candles on a tree or near other greenery. 
• Extinguish all candles before you go to sleep, leave the room, or leave the house.
Did You Know?
160 home fires per year begin with holiday lights and other decorative lighting, causing an average of 8 deaths, 14 injuries, and $8.5 million in property damage (NFPA)." (above info from ESFI)
I've never used battery-operated candles, but this year I gave them a try. And I have to say that Lil Man loved them and so did I. I of course wouldn't have an open flame where he could burn himself or knock it over. But with these battery-operated candles, I didn't have to worry about that. I also tried out some battery-operated lights. Those were also a big hit. Now, I don't leave them on constantly. So I'm not sure about battery life. But so far the batteries are holding up to how we are currently using them. 

All lights are battery-operated

In addition to battery-operated candles, we also utilized a surge protector, and LED lights. LED lights last longer than traditional incandescent lights, and they generate less heat. 

This holiday season we enjoying decorating while trying to be aware of safety. How are you staying safe during the holidays? 


Full Disclosure: ESFI provided me with a decorating safety kit free of charge for the purpose of providing a review. My opinions are completely my own based on my experience.