Holiday decorations can hide possiblity of danger

The holiday season is one of the most beautiful and vivid times of the year. While much of the luster comes from the joyful spirits and natures of those who celebrate the holiday, there is no denying the appeal and attraction Christmas decorations have for so many who enjoy this holiday tradition.

Though these lights, ornaments, trees and a plethora of other colorful attractions are immediately recognizable for their beauty, there also exists the potential for danger.

According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), hospital emergency rooms treat an estimated 12,800 people each year for falls, cuts, shocks and burns due to incidents involving faulty holiday lights, dried-out Christmas trees and other holiday decorations.

The CPSC report notes the involvement of Christmas trees in about 300 fires each year. Annually, these fires result in an average of 10 deaths, 40 injuries and about $7 million in property damage and loss. Holiday candles also can be hazardous, with in excess of 15,000 candle-related fires reported each year. These candle fires result in approximately 140 deaths and an estimated $307 million in property loss.

While the CPSC monitors holiday decorations sold at stores and online, there also are many steps one can take to further reduce the risk of accidents involved with lights, trees, etc.

These include:

* When purchasing an artificial tree, look for the label "Fire Resistant." Although this label does not mean the tree won't catch fire, it does indicate the tree is more resistant to burning.

* When purchasing a live tree, check for freshness. A fresh tree is green, needles 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.

* When setting up a tree at home, place it away from fireplaces and radiators. Because heated rooms dry out live trees rapidly, be sure to keep the stand filled with water. Place the tree out of the way of traffic, and do not block doorways.

* Use only non-combustible or flame-resistant materials to trim a tree. Choose tinsel or artificial icicles of plastic or nonleaded metals. Leaded materials are hazardous if ingested by children.

* In homes with small children, take special care to avoid sharp or breakable decorations, keep trimmings with small removable parts out of the reach of children who could swallow or inhale small pieces, and avoid trimmings that resemble candy or food that may tempt a child to eat them.

* To avoid eye and skin irritation, wear gloves when decorating with spun glass "angel hair."

* To avoid lung irritation, follow container directions carefully while decorating with artificial snow sprays.

These are tips regarding lights:

* Indoors or outside, use only lights that have been tested for safety by a nationally-recognized Testing Laboratory, such as UL or ETL/ITSNA. Use only newer lights that have thicker wiring and are required to have safety fuses to prevent the wires from overheating.

* Check each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. Throw out damaged sets.

* If using an extension cord, make sure it is rated for the intended use.

* Never use electric lights on a metallic tree. The tree can become charged with electricity from faulty lights, and a person touching a branch could be electrocuted.

* When using lights outdoors, check labels to be sure they have been certified for outdoor use and plug them in only ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protected receptacles.

* Turn off all holiday lights when you go to bed or leave the house. The lights could short out and start a fire.

Candle safety tips include:

* Keep burning candles within sight.

* Keep burning candles away from items that can burn easily.

* Always use non-flammable holders and keep away from children and pets.

* Keep lighted candles away from trees, other evergreens and decorations.

* Extinguish all candles before you go to bed or leave the house.

Fireplaces safety tips include:

* Use care with "fire salts," which produce colored flames when thrown on wood fires. They contain heavy metals that, if eaten, can cause intense gastrointestinal irritation and vomiting. Keep them away from children.

* Do not burn wrapping papers in the fireplace. Wrappings can ignite suddenly and burn intensely, resulting in a flash fire.

* Place a screen around your fireplace to prevent sparks from igniting nearby flammable materials.

When the holidays pass, it also is important to exercise caution when storing or disposing of decorations.

Breakable items such as ornaments and glassware should be stored in closed containers on dry, even surfaces. If placed on a shelf, make sure it is strong enough to hold the weight of the objects and poses no threat of falling.

Lights that are stored in a shed or garage can be kept in their own smaller bag per strand, then joined with other individual strands in a larger bag before being stored in a box or other container in order to offer additional protection from their surroundings or the elements. This helps ensure proper working order, which helps maintain safety during future use.

In Rector, persons may dispose of their natural Christmas trees at the city brush pile on the south edge of town. The area is open for use from noon to 4 p.m. Thursdays, but may be opened as needed if persons contact city employees at the water department at 595-3035.

With the amount of effort which goes into creating eye-catching decorations, keep in mind that just a little more work will help make those lovely surroundings a safer environment for all.