Holiday decorating safety tips that save lives

<p>There's a solution to keeping safe this holiday season, and the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission has tips on how to do it.&nbsp;</p>

News 12 Staff

Dec 7, 2017, 5:44 PM

Updated 2,324 days ago

Share:

There's a solution to keeping safe this holiday season, and the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission has tips on how to do it.
For starters, they say to avoid fire, you should check your live Christmas tree for freshness and make sure it gets plenty of water. Also, if you have a fake tree, make sure it's fire resistant by checking the label.
Trees should be set up away from heat sources like radiators or vents. If you have kids or pets, experts recommend avoiding sharp or breakable decorations. Small decorations should also be avoided due to choking hazards.
When decorating your home with holiday lights, safety experts say only use certified lights that are tested for safety by a nationally recognized safety testing lab. Also, make sure to check each sets of lights for faulty bulbs. Checking the extension cord for frayed or loose wires can also help prevent fire.
They also suggest checking decorative light labels to make sure they are intended for either outdoor or indoor use and that you are using the correct voltage.
Keeping an eye on candles, checking smoke detectors are working correctly, and making sure fire places and chimneys are clean are also ways you can avoid any accidents this holiday season.
There were over 14,700 holiday related injuries in the United States in Nov. and Dec. of 2016 including 3 deaths related to ladder falls, according to the CPSC.


More from News 12
Police: Car drives into Plainview dance studio; 3 suffer minor injuries

Police: Car drives into Plainview dance studio; 3 suffer minor injuries

2:17
Brightening skies and warmer temperatures heading into the weekend

Brightening skies and warmer temperatures heading into the weekend

0:23
Police: Hempstead man stole parking meters near Jericho Turnpike and Roslyn Road

Police: Hempstead man stole parking meters near Jericho Turnpike and Roslyn Road

1:55
8-year-old from Valley Stream becomes first in NY to undergo gene therapy for rare disease

8-year-old from Valley Stream becomes first in NY to undergo gene therapy for rare disease

2:27
2016 whistleblower tip warned of barrels buried at old Grumman property in Bethpage

2016 whistleblower tip warned of barrels buried at old Grumman property in Bethpage

0:25
Long Islander wins $1,000 a day for life from lotto ticket

Long Islander wins $1,000 a day for life from lotto ticket

1:34
Police: Drunk driver hits patrol car at scene of DWI crash; Suffolk officer hurt

Police: Drunk driver hits patrol car at scene of DWI crash; Suffolk officer hurt

2:00
Police: Man’s wallet blocks bullet during Coram shooting; suspect wanted

Police: Man’s wallet blocks bullet during Coram shooting; suspect wanted

0:44
NuHealth holds breast cancer screenings at Plainview-Old Bethpage Library

NuHealth holds breast cancer screenings at Plainview-Old Bethpage Library

0:49
Suffolk Sheriff’s Office holds 1st wellness conference at Suffolk Community College

Suffolk Sheriff’s Office holds 1st wellness conference at Suffolk Community College

0:13
Police probe shooting incident at Patchogue home

Police probe shooting incident at Patchogue home

0:23
West Islip man sentenced to 8 1/3 to 25 years for stealing millions from Williston Park school

West Islip man sentenced to 8 1/3 to 25 years for stealing millions from Williston Park school

0:25
Police: Man threw cellphone, injured officer responding to disturbance on road in Valley Stream

Police: Man threw cellphone, injured officer responding to disturbance on road in Valley Stream

1:09
The East End: Hamptons Handpoured

The East End: Hamptons Handpoured

1:52
Find fun, interactive activities for family and friends at Main Street Board Game Café in Huntington

Find fun, interactive activities for family and friends at Main Street Board Game Café in Huntington

0:37
North Babylon HS gives away dresses, suits ahead of prom season

North Babylon HS gives away dresses, suits ahead of prom season

0:22
Central Islip man sentenced to 22 years in prison for raping daughter

Central Islip man sentenced to 22 years in prison for raping daughter

1:45
Long Island pizzerias come together to raise funds for family of slain detective

Long Island pizzerias come together to raise funds for family of slain detective

0:30
Hempstead man pleads guilty, gets 8 years for drug trafficking

Hempstead man pleads guilty, gets 8 years for drug trafficking

0:19
Nassau Legislature approves 2 new outdoor fields for Mitchel Athletic Complex

Nassau Legislature approves 2 new outdoor fields for Mitchel Athletic Complex