While many of you have probably already put up your tree, for those of you doing some last minute holiday decorating, we wanted to share a few tips from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commisssion (CPSC) to help you make the season bright safely.

CHRISTMAS TREES

• When purchasing an artificial Christmas tree, check for a “fire resistant” label. While this doesn’t mean that the tree certainly won’t catch fire, it does mean the tree is resistant to burning.
• When purchasing a fresh Christmas tree, check for freshness. Fresh trees are green, with firm needles that won’t bend or break between your fingers. The bottom of a fresh tree is sticky with resin, and fresh trees shouldn’t lose many needles when tapped on the ground.
• Place your tree away from fireplaces, vents, and radiators.
• Heated rooms dry out fresh trees quickly, so make sure to keep the stand you’re your tree is in filled with water and check water levels daily.

HOLIDAY LIGHTING

• When purchasing holiday lights, make sure only to use lights purchased by a nationally recognized testing agency such as UL or ETL
• Use newer lights that have thicker wiring and safety fuses to prevent overheating.
• Check new or old lights for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. Throw away damaged sets.
• Only use lights certified for outdoor use outside. Only plug them into a ground fault circuit interrupter safety outlet.

CANDLES

• Keep burning candles within site.
• Make sure to extinguish all candles before you go to sleep, leave the room, or leave the house.
• Keep lighted candles away from items that can catch fire and burn easily, such as Christmas trees, decorations, curtains, and furniture.

And of course, be sure to keep a fire extinguisher on hand!

The video below covers all of these tips. For more information on holiday decorating safety, visit CPSE.gov. Have a safe and happy holiday!

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yeTIVjXhvnw]

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