rap #254 12/01/09

MAKE THE HOLIDAY SEASON A SAFE SEASON

DECORATING A Christmas tree and hanging colorful lights both inside and out is a favorite holiday tradition for many families, but the improper use of decorations can turn the season of joy into one of disaster.

“Make safety a holiday tradition,” Freeholder Joseph H. Vicari said. “Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and never plug too many lights into one socket. If you use a real tree, check daily that its branches are not dry and prone to ignite.”

Each year, hospital emergency rooms treat about 10,800 people for injuries, such as falls, cuts and shocks related to holiday lights, decorations and Christmas trees. In addition, Christmas trees are involved in about 400 fires annually, resulting in 20 deaths, 70 injuries and $15 million in property damage, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Vicari, liaison to the Ocean County Department of Consumer Affairs, offered the following tips to help keep the holidays safe:

  • When buying a live Christmas tree, make sure the needles are fresh and green. The needles should bend and not snap between your fingers.
  • Place a live tree in a cool spot away from heater vents, the fireplace and other heat sources. Water the tree regularly and dispose of it or recycle it properly after the season.
  • When purchasing an artificial tree, look for a “fire resistant” label. While most artificial trees can burn, fire resistant trees will resist burning and extinguish quickly.
  • Use only indoor or outdoor lights that have been properly tested for safety by a recognized laboratory. Use only lights that have fused plugs.
  • Checks all lights for burned out, missing or damaged bulbs. Replace bulbs with the same wattage bulbs only. Use no more than three sets of lights per extension cord.
  • Make sure outdoor lights have been certified for outdoor use. Hang lights with insulated staples or run them through hooks. Never use nails or tacks.
  • Turn off the lights when leaving the house or going to bed.
  • Use only non-combustible or flame-resistant materials to trim a tree. Do not hang sharp ornaments near the reach of small children. Avoid hanging ornaments that resemble candy canes or food near young children, as they may be tempted to eat them.
  • When using candles, always place them in a safety holder away from trees and other flammable materials. Make sure all candles are out before leaving your home or going to sleep.
Vicari also recommended the new LED indoor and outdoor Christmas lights. The low-voltage, long-lasting lights use up to 90 percent less energy than traditional lights.

“Consider making this Christmas a truly green holiday by using these energy efficient lights and decorations,” Vicari said.