Christmas Decorating Tips From

"The Workshop"

For Christmas trees:

When buying an artificial tree, look for the "fire resistant" label. While that doesn’t mean the tree won’t burn, it does indicate the tree will resist burning and should extinguish quickly.

When buying a live tree, check for freshness. A fresh tree is green and its needles are hard to pull from branches and don’t break when bent. The trunk butt should be sticky with resin and when tapped on the ground, the tree shouldn’t loose too many needles.

When setting up a tree at home, place it away from fireplaces and radiators...out of the way of foot traffic...and don’t block doorways. Keep the stand filled with water so the tree doesn’t dry out.

For Christmas lights:

Use only lights that’ve been tested for safety by a recognized testing laboratory.

Check each set of lights - old and new - for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. Throw out damaged sets.

Use no more than three standard-size sets of lights per extension cord.

Never use electric lights on a metallic tree.

Fasten outdoor lights securely to prevent wind damage. Use only insulated staples or hooks to hold the strings in place - not nails or tacks.

Turn off all lights when you go to bed or leave the house.

Always run electrical cords across the tops of door frames. Never run an electrical cord across or through doorways, as people may trip on them. Constant opening or closing of the door may damage the insulation or cut the wire.

To reduce the risk of over heating, replace burned out bulbs immediately.

When using a ladder outdoors always have someone steady the ladder on the ground while another climbs. Check for icy or slippery patches before climbing.

Use appropriate extension cords that can withstand outdoor wear.

For decorations:   

Use only non-combustible or flame-resistant materials to trim the tree. Choose tinsel or artificial icicles or plastic or non-leaded metals. Leaded materials are hazardous if eaten by children.

Never use lighted candles on a tree or near other evergreens.

Always use non-flammable holders and place candles where they won’t be knocked down.

In homes with small children, avoid decorations that are sharp...breakable...with small parts or pieces...or resemble candy or food, which might tempt a kid to eat them.

For the fireplace:

Use care with "fire salts"...which produce colored flames when thrown on wood fires. They contain heavy metals that can cause severe stomach upset if eaten. Keep them away from children.

Do not burn wrapping paper in the fireplace. A flash fire may result as wrappings ignite suddenly and burn intensely.