Trim the Tree the Safe Way - Decorating Tips

Celebrating the holiday season with colorful lights and a tree can add more than just sparkle to the festivities—they are also a fire hazard. In fact, according to the National Fire Protection Association, a higher percentage of home fires occur during the holiday season.

To decorate the safe way, keep the following tips in mind:

Place a Christmas tree at least three feet away from heat sources such as a fireplace or heating vent. The tree should also stand in a sturdy, water-holding stand that is refilled daily.
Do not keep a fresh tree in your home for more than two weeks because it will dry out and become extremely flammable.
Use lights as intended: indoor for indoor use only, and outdoor for outdoor use only.
Look for the UL safety rating on all electrical decorations. This ensures that they have been tested for safety hazards.
Throw away light strings that are cracked or have exposed or loose wires.

At Tooher-Ferraris Insurance Group we don’t want your holiday fun to be spoiled with unnecessary mishaps, use caution when decorating and enjoy the season safely!