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Our friend Ellen Rossano, from Ellen Marie at Home, came over to write a blog post on holiday safety, a topic she is very passionate about. Enjoy!

The stockings, garlands, lights, and more are all coming out of the storage boxes, ready to be hung and enjoyed. But, how do we make sure our homes are safe while we enjoy the holiday decor?

Home Holiday Safety Tips

The tips in this guide are probably steps you already know, but it’s always good to revisit every year to ensure we all keep our homes safe. After all, the National Fire Protection Association reports that that from 2013-2017, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of more than 1,000 fires annually, caused by Christmas trees and holiday decorations.

Candle Safety Tips

According to the National Fire Protection Association, home candle first occur more frequently on Christmas and New Year’s. So many of use candles as part of our holiday decor, but they are so easy to forget about with the hustle and bustle.

The 12” Rule.

Imagine a 12-inch circle around any lit candle. Use glass hurricanes and containers to protect surrounding areas from potential fire dangers. Just think of it as a personal space bubble.

Don’t forget about the flames.

Now, we know you’re not going to sit and stare at them all day long. Just make sure you use lit candles in areas where you can see them regularly, like the dining room table or the kitchen counters. Use an alternative for bathrooms and bedrooms.

A great alternative battery-operated candles.

These are an amazing alternative and come in so many varieties now. They even have a flickering effect that makes it feel so authentic.

Power Strips Safety Tips

We all know power strips shouldn’t be overloaded. Although, you wouldn’t have guessed that if you had attended the last school Thanksgiving feast I volunteered at. We had power strips everywhere with 5 or 6 slow cookers plugged into each one. NOT SAFE, friends!

What about power strips vs. surge protectors? A power strip is basically like an extension cord, while a surge protector will protect against power fluctuations in your electrical service according to Safe Bee. Read product descriptions before purchasing because you need to ensure that it can handle the wattage.

Extension Cords Safety Tips

Did you know that extension cords are for temporary use only?  The Electrical Safety Foundation International determined that not only are they temporary, but they also deteriorate quickly.

Never use a cord that is

  • hot
  • frayed
  • bent (prongs)

How to Safely Cover Unsightly Cords

Use specially designed rubber cord protectors. These are specifically made to protect the cords from wear and tear. Painter’s tape and carpet cover-ups are definite fire hazards, especially if they’re in high traffic areas.

Pay attention to whether your cords/power strips/lights say “For Indoor AND/OR Outdoor Use.” Water and electricity don’t mix, so don’t put cords made for indoors out in the weather. Can outdoor cords be used indoors? Since each product is different, be safe and read the directions.

Christmas Tree Safety Tips

  • Avoid dry trees with a little shake – if a ton of needles fall off then it may be past the point of no return.
  • Have the tree seller cut about 3″-4″ off the base of the trunk so your tree can hydrate better.
  • Make sure to keep your water in the tree stand filled.
  • Unplug all lights when you’re not at home.
  • Pre-lit faux trees
    • Replace if too many bulbs are out.
    • Safest option – plug it directly into the wall outlet.

Last but not least…check your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors to make sure they are in working order.

Have an amazing holiday season!

 

As always, feel free to leave us a comment below or share this post with a friend. We appreciate getting your feedback and can’t way to provide y’all with more amazing content!

If you need any help with centerpiece-making, bow-making, wreath-making, or crafting in general, be sure to check out more of our tutorials on How to Make Wreaths

We would love to know what other safety tips you have for the holiday season! Please share with us over at the How To Make Wreaths Facebook Group

Finally, if you’re interested in more info on learning how to make wreaths, where to buy supplies, or being in a community of like-minded crafters, check out our Creative Coaching Subscription Group.

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