Here’s a list of tips to ensure a safe and joyous holiday season.
Celebrating winter holidays can be an incredibly fun, festive, and joyous time of year. No matter what holiday celebrations you’re preparing for, decorations and festive items are common for the season. In this blog, we’ll cover a few tips to stay safe when decorating for the winter holidays, no matter what festivities you’re preparing for.
Safety for Hanging Decorations
Hanging decorations can be a fun way to make your space festive. Beautiful garlands, wreaths, lights, ornaments, wall hangings, and more can all make an appearance during this time of year. Be sure that your hanging decorations do not block or impede exits. Only use proper equipment meant to hold hanging items and ensure the weight limits of your decorations follow the guidelines on the packaging.
When hanging your decorations, only use proper stools, steps, or ladders meant for that direct purpose. Standing on chairs or boxes can be a dangerous fall hazard. Be sure to have someone with you as you’re hanging your decorations for an extra level of safety. Wear non-slip shoes and be sure your decorations are not too heavy to affect your balance.
Lights, Candles, Action!
Lights and candles can be an important part of your holiday festivities. Whether they’re a featured item or incorporated around your room for ambiance and fragrance, it’s key to ensure your candles and lights are placed appropriately for safety. For candles, be sure to use them only in clear, well-lit places, and keep them out of reach of grandkids, pets, or other decorations. Use candles on kitchen counters or high tables in your living or dining room, and be sure that other items, like decorations, books, plants, or furniture, are far enough away to not pose a fire hazard. It’s a good idea to only burn candles within eyeline so you can react quickly and cover the flame as needed.
Lights can be a little less temperamental, but caution is always a good idea. Be sure you’re using lights that function properly; if sections of your decorative lighting are not working, it’s a smart idea to retire that set to reduce the risk of overheating, shorts, and other electrical issues. Along that same thought, be sure you’re keeping an eye on the temperature of the lightbulbs. Too warm and you risk a fire, especially with lighting against materials like fabrics, pillows, curtains, or garland. A newer, LED string of lights can be a safe alternative for low-heat, low-energy decoration. Be sure that when you hang lights, they don’t impact emergency exits or create tripping hazards.
Reduce Tripping Hazards
Cords, cables, and festive rugs can all present tripping hazards. When decorating, make sure your cords or cables for lights and decorations are neatly tucked away, either behind furniture or tied short enough that the extra cord does not lie on the ground and create a tripping hazard. Make sure festive rugs are lying flat and that the edges are securely fastened to the ground.
Be Mindful of Boxes
It’s easy to overload a decoration box or bin, making it too heavy to lift. Be mindful of the weight of the boxes, trees, ornaments, garlands, or candelabras you’re trying to lift. If something feels too heavy for you to safely and comfortably lift, consider bringing a friend or family member over to help.
This is especially true on staircases, where your vision is hampered by boxes or bins you may be carrying. Try bringing single items up or down rather than a whole box to keep yourself safe on stairs.
Setting up for the holidays can be a fun, festive time of year. With some planning and an eye on safety, you can enjoy the season to come with friends and family. For more winter, DIY, and senior safety tips, visit the CapTel blog.
