Christmas Decor Helps Residents Avoid Decorating Hazards

With the dawn of the holiday season upon us, it is time to get a plan in place for adding festive touches to the exterior of your home. But, before you stock up on the right lights and the perfect decorations and adornments, Christmas Decor want you to be aware of some of the dangers that holiday decorating can bring.

"Although holiday decorating can be a fun, festive activity, it can also be quite hazardous and result in injuries," said Blake Smith, president of Christmas Decor, Inc. "People should enjoy this time of year – not spend it in the hospital being treated for a devastating fall or burn!"

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), during the 60 days surrounding the winter holiday season, an estimated 11,000 people are treated in hospital emergency rooms due to decorating-related injuries including falls, cuts, electrical shocks and burns.

Smith suggests people follow these home-decorating tips for a safe and festive holiday season:

• Use Certified Products: Only use lights that have been tested for safety by a nationally-recognized testing laboratory, such as UL or ETL/ITSNA.
• Check for Defects: If you are using lights that have been strung in the past, be sure to check them for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections.
• Beware of Metallic Trees: Electric lights should never be used on metallic trees, because the tree can become charged with electricity from faulty lights.
• Flick the Off Switch: Before you go to bed or leave the house, be sure to turn off all holiday lights inside and outside of your home.

"Many of the injuries related to holiday decorating can be avoided by taking precautions and using properly certified products," added Smith. "Of course, if anyone is still hesitant about decorating their homes themselves, the safest bet is to enlist a holiday lighting professional."

For more information, please contact www.christmasdecor.net or you may call (800) 687-9551.