Have A Safe Christmas

by Alden Smith

Christmas is the most anticipated holiday of the year.  And because it the busiest time of year, it is also the most dangerous.  Common sense and standard safety rules are very important this time of year.  You don't want to start on the holiday libations and then climb up on your roof to put up Christmas tree lights! 

Most Common Problems

Because many people decorate the exterior of their homes heavily for Christmas, safety is always an issue.  A lot of the things that can go wrong are common sense issues that should be reviewed every year.  Always make sure you only use lights designed for out-of-doors.  Check each strand carefully in daylight for cuts and abrasions that could cause an electrical short.  Always test lights before attempting to hang them to insure you aren't making unnecessary trips up a ladder.If you must run extension cords, be sure that they are Underwriters Laboratory (UL) approved and have a three-point plug. Never cut off the grounding prong. 

Try to pick a day that is sunny and clear to put up your outside lights.  Ensure there is no ice on the roof.  When climbing, have someone hold the ladder if possible to avoid slippage.  Use protective rubber gloves when handling lights.

The Christmas Tree

There is nothing better than the smell of a Christmas tree during the holidays.  Although many people now use artificial trees, the safety issues still apply.  If using a live tree, go to a Christmas tree farm and cut your own tree.  This is not only fun, but ensures your tree is the freshest available.  Christmas trees that have become dry and brittle cause fires.  Be sure to keep the tree watered, and check this on a daily basis.  A large tree will consume a lot of water in the dry indoor setting of your home.  When a lot of needles begin to fall, it is time to take down the tree. Never rely on aerosol sprays or other chemical treatment to protect your tree from fire.

Christmas Tree Lights

When it comes to Christmas tree lights, people have a tendency to go overboard.  Christmas tree lights are designed so that they have a male plug on one end and a female plug on the other to allow you to "daisy chain" your lights without running a lot of extension cords.  Always ensure that these plugs seat properly.  Try to avoid overloading your tree with lights in order to reduce the draw on the electrical outlet and prevent shorts.  If you must use extension cords, be sure they are not damaged or frayed, and that they have a three prong plug.

The Holiday Candle

People burn a lot of candles during the holidays, which present another very real safety hazard.  Never put candles on a tree!  Always keep them away from the Christmas tree and also from draperies and other flammable materials, such as Christmas wrapping.  Never go to bed with candles lit in the house.  The last thing you should do before retiring is unplug the tree and insure all candles are out.

Holiday Decorations

If you use holiday decorations, use those made of flame retardant materials.  Tissue paper, some foamed plastics, cotton batting that is used to simulate snow, and flocking catch fire easily.  If you use holiday masks or beards and whiskers for old Saint Nick, be sure that they are flame retardant.

Holiday Travel

Traveling on the holidays is especially dangerous, mainly due to traffic congestion and, in certain climes, poor driving conditions.  Don't hurry to your destination -- always allow ample time to get there.  It goes without saying that you should never drink and drive.  Not only is it illegal, but you endanger the lives of your loved ones and others who share the road with you.  Besides, no one wants to spend Christmas in the drunk tank.

Every year people are killed or injured because they did not follow simple safety rules.    Use common sense this Christmas.  Your family will thank you.

Be sure to visit our Christmas articles for recipes, decorating tips, and handmade gift ideas!

Alden Smith is an award winning author and regular contributor to DoItYourself.com. He writes on a variety of subjects, and excels in research.