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Deacon Dave’s Christmas Safety Tips

In poking through old articles I found that over 15,000 people suffer injuries related to Christmas & Holiday decorations.  This includes Christmas Trees.  Many of these people end up in hospital emergency rooms.  So slow down, think safety and enjoy the decorating.

When using a ladder, use it properly.  Make sure it is balanced and steady.  For tall ladders have someone hold the bottom portion to keep the ladder from shifting or moving.  Don’t be a macho martyr have someone help you.

A major cause of fires in the Christmas Season is unattended burning candles.  They may be festive and even romantic but make sure to tour your home to insure that the candles are out before leaving the house or bed time. Keep burning candles away from Christmas Trees, decorations and wrapped packages.  Thousands of fires in homes are started by unattended candles especially in the Holiday Season.  Make certain that candles are placed in sturdy non-combustible containers.  Keep away from animals and birds as they could accidentally knock the candle over and cause a fire.  Be cautious!  Don’t let a fire ruin you holiday. 

When setting up a fresh green Christmas Tree make certain that the tree holder can hold water.  Water your Christmas Tree frequently. Make certain that your tree does not dry out excessively.  Christmas Tree electrical cords should not pose a trip and fall hazard.  Christmas Trees should never, ever, block exits.  The tree must be keep 3 to 4 feet away from fireplaces or any type of heating unit stationary or otherwise.

Remember safety first.  If you have old electrical cords that are cracked, frayed, bare wires, cracked sockets or loose connections immediately toss them in the garbage.  Defective electrical cords can cause shock and or fire. I personally do not recommend taping electrical cords that have exposed wire with electrical tape.  It is far cheaper to purchase new electrical cords and be safe.

When bringing out your electrical Christmas decorations each year examine the electrical cords before plugging them in.

Don’t over load your electrical circuits.  If you blow the power it usually means that you are overloading your household electrical circuits.  Redistribute your electrical cords to other outlets.  It could also mean that you have plugged in a defective electrical decoration.  If you have a friend that is an electrician invite him to do a load check and help you distribute the load.  Be grateful make him Christmas cookies.  It will be easier to get him back next year.

Prevent electrical fires!  Don’t overload extension cords or socket.

This is one question that I am asked most often.  How many strings of mini-lights can I connect together?  No more than three strings!  For the screw in larger bulbs, no more than fifty bulbs connected together.  Always check your light cords each year for safety.  Some light strings have a fuse located in one end.  If the lights do not work check the fuse.  Fuses are replaceable.

Keep matches and lighters away from children! 

Your Christmas Tree or Menorah Candle does not need to be Illuminated all night.  Make sure you turn off all lights and decorations and extinguish all candles before leaving the house or going to bed.  The safety of you and your loved ones is what is most important. 

May your Christmas be joyous and safe!  God bless and may you and yours live the Spirit of Christmas.