It’s the holiday season, and safety is coming to town. “Weather” it’s hot or cold, it’s important to keep safety in mind when you enjoy the festivities. While you’re decorating, follow a few simple tips to ensure a joyful and worry-free celebration.
It’s time to start decorating
Digging out your stored holiday decorations can be a hassle. But you can lift those heavy boxes without causing aches and pains. Experts at the University of North Carolina (UNC) recommend these best practices for lifting and carrying heavy loads:
- Tuck your arms and elbows in, and get close to the load as you lift it.
- Bend at the knees, not the hips.
- Place and carry items between mid-thigh and mid-chest, your power zone.
- Plan ahead for all parts of your lift: lifting, carrying and setting down the load.
Stay aware and climb with care
Decorating your home is a great way to get into the holiday spirit. You can hang your decorations low and high. Remember to use a ladder for those hard-to-reach spots and keep at least 3 points of physical contact (both hands and 1 foot or both feet and 1 hand) on the ladder. The National Safety Council has more tips on ladder and fall prevention.
Prevent fires and watch for wires
Electrical distribution or lighting equipment was involved in more than 2 in 5 home Christmas tree fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). So, when you’re putting up decorative lights, watch out for any broken sockets, frayed wires or loose connections. Be sure to turn lights off when you leave the house or go to bed.
Handle those candles
Year-round, 1/3 of home decoration fires were started by candles, according to the NFPA. This jumped in December when candles started almost half of such fires. Always extinguish candles when you leave the room or go to bed. Never leave your candles unattended. Keep your candles isolated and away from flammable objects to prevent any flames from spreading.
