Tips to Avoid Hazards Over the Holidays, Good Advice

The holidays are a time for family, friends and celebration. The season also presents many hazards. Thomas Nelson Emergency Management officials advise that taking a few simple precautions will help keep homes safe.

• Inspect decorations carefully before use. Cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires and loose connections may pose fire or shock hazards.
• Position decorated trees at least three feet away from fireplaces, radiators and other heat sources. Make sure the tree isn't blocking a doorway or exit route.
• Do not connect more than three miniature light strings together. Light strings with larger, screw-in bulbs should have no more than 50 bulbs connected.
• Turn off electrical lights, decorations and space heaters before leaving home or going to bed.
• Make sure all electrical products bear the UL mark.

Make safety a habit

A large percentage of injuries happen at home. While watching for hazards around the house, add these tips to safety checklists for an extra measure of protection.

• Practice a fire escape plan with family. Every family member should know at least two ways to exit each room in the home.
• Never run electrical cords under carpets, rugs or heavy items, or bunch them up behind a hot appliance or radiator. This can cause damage or overheating and create a fire hazard.
• Stay away from corded telephones, plumbing, electrical appliances, wires, TV cables, metal doors and window frames during an electrical storm.
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms every month and replace the batteries when clocks are reset at daylight saving time.
• Replace smoke alarms at least every 10 years and CO alarms every five to seven years, or as recommended by the manufacturer. Be sure smoke and CO alarms are UL Listed.

Thomas Nelson safety officials extend best wishes for a safe and happy holiday season.