As the holidays approach and our homes become more and more hectic with the addition of family and friends. Our homes can become a real danger zone. The additional traffic and the use of holiday electrical item can become potential hazards. Here are some helpful hints to steer you clear of potential holiday hazards.
Extension cords are guaranteed to make their way into your home during the holidays. The potential for fire within the home due to misused extension cords is a real danger. Be sure that you check all of your extension cords to insure that they are in good can indicate that the cord is susceptible to a fire. Check the entire cord for frays or kinks; also check for small burn marks, this can indicate that the cord is susceptible to a fire. Be sure to keep extension cords out of the foot paths of your home as holiday guests may easily trip over these. Never use rugs to conceal your extension cords; this again is a fire hazard.
If you have a natural wood burning fire place in your home be sure that you are using only well seasoned natural wood or man made wood logs specified for in home use. Do not throw Christmas wrapping or foreign objects into the fire place. Be sure that you have the proper screens in place to stop embers from flying out of the fire place and into your home.
Each year there are a reported 164,000 ladder related injuries. Be sure that when using a ladder this year you use one that is the correct height for the job. Reaching or stretching may cause you to fall. Be sure that the feet of the ladder are positioned evenly from the wall and that the ladder itself is standing on a solid surface. If you are hanging electrical lights use a nonmetal latter. Metal ladders of course conduct electricity.
Bringing a fresh tree into the home can enhance the mood of the holiday, but it can also become a huge fire hazard if not properly managed. Be sure that the needles are soft to the touch and secured to the tree. Make sure that the needles are soft to the touch and secured to the tree. Ensure that your tree stand holds at least one gallon of water and maintain that water level at all times. When you decide to take down your tree be sure that you recycle your Christmas tree.
While preparing your holiday meal there are additional dangers of being burned due to the large number of family and friends trying to help in the kitchen. Steer children clear of the kitchen, most burn accidents happen to small children. Be aware of your surroundings and keep the traffic around hot foods to a minimum. Taking these preventative steps will keep you and your loved ones safe this holiday season.
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