By: Judith Weeks 

Celebrating the holidays this year will be much different than in years past. During this COVID-19 pandemic, we want our families and friends to be safe from exposure to this coronavirus. We stay at home and limit our gatherings based on local guidelines. But it can be lonely without the kids or Grandpa and Grandma.   

Decorating our homes inside and out is one way we can still get in in the spirit of the holiday season, and the American Red Cross wants you to be safe when decorating for the holidays. Whether you are hanging ornaments on the Christmas tree, lighting a menorah, or stringing lights about your home, please don’t forget that home fires can quickly happen.  

Candles are one of the leading causes of home fires, with December being the peak month for them. Nearly one-third of us have left the room or fallen asleep while burning candles, according to a 2020 national American Red Cross survey. While a burning candle can quickly start a fire, flameless candles are a safer option, like the ones that run on batteries.  

Here are 7 Holiday Decorating Safety Steps to keep your home safe this season: 

1. Check all holiday light cords to make sure they aren’t frayed or broken. Don’t string too many strands of lights together — no more than three per extension cord. Turn off all holiday lights when going to bed or leaving the house.  

2. Ensure outside decorations are for outdoor use and fasten lights securely to your home or trees. If using hooks or nails outside, make sure they are insulated to avoid electrocution or fire hazard.  

3. Look for the fire-resistant label when buying an artificial tree. Keep it away from fireplaces, radiators and other sources of heat. Never use electric lights on metallic trees.   

4. If getting a live tree, make sure it’s fresh and keep it watered. Bend the needles up and down to make sure no needles fall off.   

5. Don’t light the fireplace if hanging stockings on the mantel.  

6. Check the labels of older decorations. Some older tinsel is lead-based. If using angel hair, wear gloves to avoid irritation. Avoid breathing in artificial snow.  

7. Have good, stable placement when using a ladder and wear shoes that allow for good traction.   

The American Red Cross wishes all to have a safe and joyful holiday season!