Holiday decorating safety tips

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Brittany McGill
  • 52nd Fighter Wing Occupational Safety
SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany --  The holiday season is here!  Now is the time to spread Christmas cheer far and wide for all to hear!
Out we go to the Christmas Markets gathering all our little treasures to take back and behold. Down goes the pine trees and up they go in lights and tinsel. But many forget those safety tips that left our lips. . .

But don't worry that's what we are here for!  We are not here to ruin anyone's holiday, however Christmas trees are notoriously known for presenting fire hazards. Here are some simple tips to ensure everyone has a safe Christmas this year.

- Fresh Christmas trees:  Look for the ones with vibrant green needles that are hard to pluck, the ones that don't easily break and they don't shed.
- Locations: Place your trees away from fireplaces, radiators, candles and heaters.
- Bulbs: Check your bulbs to ensure that they don't get too hot. Also make sure you have the right bulbs for indoors or outdoors.
- Candles: Ensure your candles are out of reach of children, away from gusty doors and away from furniture and trees.
- Tripping Hazards: Watch out for those cords!
- Lights Off:  When you go to sleep so does your tree. Turn off all the tree lights.
- Children: If your children are going to help with the tree this year, ensure they have plenty of supervision. Don't leave your children unattended near the Christmas tree.
- Pets:  Pets are mischievous. Watch out for your pets around the tree. Especially cats and big dogs.

If you follow these simple safety tips you and your family are bound to have a safe and hazardous free Christmas season!  Happy Holidays!!