Inspect your electric decorations before use. Cracked or damaged sockets, loose or bare wires and loose connections may cause a serious shock or can start a fire.
Turn off all indoor and outdoor electrical decorations before leaving home or going to bed.
Candles
Consider using battery-operated candles. They are safer than regular candles.
Extinguish all unattended open flames.
Don't use candles on a tree or evergreens, and keep them away from decorations and wrapping paper.
Keep candles out of children's reach and never leave children unsupervised where candles are lit.
Electric outlets
Don't overload electric outlets. They can cause a fire.
Don't place extension cords where they could cause a tripping hazard.
Holiday Trees
A fresh tree will help minimize the danger of fire from dry needles.
A live tree can drink up a lot of water. Check it daily and keep the stand filled with water.
Purchase a "fire resistant" artificial tree.
Your tree should be at least 3 feet from all heat sources.
Outdoor Decorating
All decorations should be marked for outdoor use.
Plug lights and decorations into circuits protected by ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) to prevent electric shock.
Keep all ladders away from power lines. Any type could cause shock or electrocution, especially when they are wet.
Outdoor extension cords and light strings should be kept clear of snow and water.
Child Safety
Young children should be kept away from holiday lights, electrical decorations and extension cords to prevent electrical shock and burn injuries.
Unused outlets on extension cords should be covered with electrical tape or plastic caps to prevent a child from making contact with electricity.
Smoke Detectors
Test your smoke alarms monthly and make sure that your house is protected by an adequate number of working alarms.
Smoke alarms should be located inside each bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of your home.
Develop a fire escape plan with your family including the location of an outside meeting place and two ways out of each room in your home.
In the Kitchen
Children must be supervised at all times when a stove is within reach.
Keep them at least three feet away from cooking appliances.
Don't hold a child while cooking or when removing hot food from the microwave, oven or stove.
Turn pot handles inward on the stove, away from small reaching hands.
Use the back burners on the cooktop whenever possible.
When your holiday meal is ready, make sure your stove and oven are turned off and other kitchen appliances are unplugged and out of reach of children.