Christmas Tree Safety:
Make sure your real tree does not dry out. Obviously, a dry tree is more likely to catch fire than a well watered one.
Water your tree daily! As a rule of thumb, a tree needs one quart of water for every inch of trunk diameter.
Trees should be more than 3 feet from candles, fireplaces, space heaters, radiators, heat vents and other heat sources.
Artificial trees are not immune to fire risks. Fake trees are likely to catch fire when electrical sockets are overloaded.
Lights and Electrical Safety:
Only purchase UL-listed lights and extension cords.
If you are decorating outdoors, use products that are rated for outdoor use.
Before placing your lights (inside or outside) inspect them for any damage that may have occurred in storage.
Unplug lights before you change bulbs.
If you need to get on a ladder to hang lights, try to use a wooden or fiberglass-reinforced plastic one instead of a metal one.
Do not connect too many strings of lights together. The general rule is three, but check with the packaging.
Do not overload extension cords or sockets, and do not make a daisy chain (connecting an extension cord to another extension cord.)
Check your lights every now and then and make sure the wires are not warm to the touch.
Always turn off your lights before going to bed or leaving the house. This is a big one that many of us are guilty of ignoring. We get it! After spending all that time decorating,it’s natural to want to show off your display. But safety experts agree that leaving lights on when you’re asleep or away could create an accident waiting to happen.
Please be sure all smoke detectors and CO alarms are in good working order.
The Del Rey Residents Association wishes all members and friends a very happy holiday season. We hope to see you in 2017.