T’is The Season

By Elliot | December 9, 2015

The holiday season is fast approaching and many homeowners are busy planning this year’s festive display. But before you start stringing lights and decorating trees, Health Canada has some tips to ensure the items you are bringing into your home are safe and hazard-free.

Holiday Trees

  • When buying a real tree, make sure it’s fresh (you can tell if the needles are hard to pull off). Water the tree daily once you bring it indoors for decorating.
  • Place the tree away from high traffic areas and doorways. Make sure the tree is well-secured in a sturdy stand.
  • Place the tree away from heating vents, radiators, stoves, fireplaces and burning candles.
  • Keep metal, sharp or breakable tree ornaments with small removable parts away from young children.
  • Dispose of the tree as soon as the holidays are over, or as soon as the needles start to fall. Dispose of it according to local regulations―most municipalities have tree recycling programs.

Holiday Lights and Decorations

  • Only use lights that have the mark of an accredited certification agency such as CSA, cUL or cETL.
  • Choose the right light for the job: light strings and other decorations are rated for indoor or outdoor use.
  • Ensure that indoor lights and decorations are only used inside. Read the package instructions and do not exceed the recommended wattage.
  • Check all light bulbs before you put them up. Replace broken or burned-out bulbs with those recommended by the manufacturer.
  • Check the light strings and extension cords you use, discarding any that are frayed or have exposed wires, loose connections or broken light sockets. Never run electrical cords through doorways or under carpets.
  • Avoid plugging too many lights and decorations into an outlet. Overloaded circuits can overheat and start a fire.
  • Use Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) outlets when plugging in outdoors.
  • Turn off all holiday lights before you go to bed or leave your home.
  • Keep ‘bubble lights’ away from children ― they may contain a hazardous chemical that could cause irritation or burns if the bulb breaks.
  • Choose tinsel, artificial icicles and other trimmings made of plastic or non-leaded metals. Don’t let children put decorations in their mouths, as some may be harmful to their health.

Source: Homeservice Club

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