The holiday season is upon us and, for many people, holiday festivities often include holiday decorations. While decorating is a great way to get in the holiday spirit at home and at work, there are many potential hazards that can happen. Below are some tips from the National Safety Council and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission about decorating safely in any setting:

• Keep potentially poisonous plants – mistletoe, holly berries, Jerusalem cherry and amaryllis – away from children and pets
• If using an artificial tree, check that it is labeled “fire resistant”
• If using a live tree, cut off about 2 inches of the trunk to expose fresh wood for better water absorption, remember to water it and remove it from the setting when it is dry
• Place your tree at least 3 feet away from fireplaces, radiators, and other heat sources, making certain not to block doorways
• Avoid placing breakable ornaments — or ones with small, detachable parts — on lower tree branches where small children can reach them
• Only use indoor lights indoors and outdoor lights outdoors, and choose the right ladder for the task when hanging up — or taking down — lights
• Replace light sets that have broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections
• Follow the package directions on the number of light sets that can be plugged into one socket
• Never nail, tack, or stress wiring when hanging lights and keep plugs off the ground away from puddles and snow
• Turn off all lights and decorations when you go to bed or leave the house/office

For more holiday safety tips from the National Safety Council, visit https://www.nsc.org/.../seasonal.../winter-safety/holiday

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Credit: National Safety Council

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