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?

If you like what you just read please click to send a quick vote for me on Top Mommy Blogs- The best mommy blog directory featuring top mom bloggers

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.

Rejection

You'd think as many times as I've been rejected in my life that rejection wouldn't hurt anymore. Really, I can't count the number of times that I've been rejected, or slighted, or been on the receiving end of cruel words. I'm almost 40 for pete's sake. Rejection shouldn't bring tears anymore, but it still does. It just seems like I've been faced with it a lot lately. It started with the Running and has seemed to carry over into other parts of my life. I have spent most of my life on the sidelines watching other people. That's what happened with the marathon. Once again, I'm on the side as others do things that I want to do. I trained. I had to have an unexpected surgery. I got injured. I couldn't run. It happens. It isn't the end of the world. But what many don't realize is that there are numerous times in my life that I am on the sidelines, watching, wishing I was the one 'out there' - not the one watching. . But

What Summer Taught Me

This Summer has been a big learning experience - for both Lil Man and myself. Who knew that an amusement park could be such a learning experience for both of us. I watched as my little boy, all on his own, climbed stairs among strangers, learned how to wait his turn, slide down a water slide, and do it over and over again. I watched as other kids shoved him out of their way, cut in front of him as he stood patiently 'waiting for his turn'. Groves of bigger kids kept cutting in front of him, and I held back and gave him time to respond. This for me was a learning experience. See, people have to have room or space to grow. So I learned how to let go, let out the leash a little, and give Lil Man some space. The first time the kids pushed him aside, he really didn't know what to do. After a few minutes of this, I did intervene. I told him to get in line. Take his turn, and when it was his turn he was to go. And the next time as other kids pushed past him, it only took a few

2 Weeks Post Mohs Surgery

May 26, 2021 3:40pm Finally, the phone call that I'd been waiting on. It was the Medical Center. ( Finally, we can schedule my surgery. ) She tells me who she is, and then tells me that she has a cancellation for tomorrow. ( Me stammering... ) "Ok, but I was thinking the end of June." Then I hear "We just had a moment to look at your file. We really don't think that you should wait. We really think you should come in tomorrow at 8:15am" ( Me stammering again ) "Ok, I'll be there." Wait, what? My mind is all over the place. I'm supposed to work. How am I going to get our son to school? Will my husband be able to go with me on such short notice. I expected this to be the end of June, not tomorrow. I'm not prepared! I was overcome with emotion. May 26, 2021 Surgery Day I woke up at 1am with a horrible headache. By the time we arrived at the surgery center, I was definitely a bundle of nerves. I got checked in, went through the usual

Today's Words Of Glass

Search This Blog