Home Security – Twelve Tips for Holiday Safety
December 09, 2011
It’s that time of year again and the holidays are upon us. Days are filled with shopping, wrapping, decorating, cooking, not to mention excitement! We know the holidays are a wonderful time to relax and enjoy the company of your friends and family, whether at their home or yours. LifeShield has provided some great tips for protecting your home while you’re away, but we also wanted to give you some helpful safety reminds while you’re celebrating at home.
Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) teamed up to provide a list of seasonal decorating safety tips. Here are a few of our favorites:
1. Regularly check your tree for fresh, green needles. Trees that have dried out over several weeks burn faster than fresher, well-watered. Remember to keep your tree watered at all times.
2. Keep your tree at least 3 feet from fireplaces, radiators, space heaters, heating vents and other sources of heat. Don’t place the tree where it blocks an exit.
3. Ensure outside lights, decorations and extension cords are rated for outside use. Lights intended for indoor-only use bear green holographic UL Marks. Light strings intended for indoor and outdoor use bear red holographic UL Marks.
4. Carefully inspect each electrical decoration – new or old – before plugging it in. Cracked sockets, frayed, bare or loose wires can cause a serious electric shock or start a fire. Replace damaged items with new, UL-Listed decorations.
5. Don’t use staples or nails to hang light strings. Instead, purchase plastic hooks or clips designed for hanging light strings.
6. Don’t overload extension cords by plugging in too many decorations.
7. Turn off all electrical lights and decorations before leaving home or going to bed.
8. Keep candles away from combustible materials, such as decorations, paper, wreaths and boughs.
9. Use wooden or fiberglass ladders when near power lines and electrical wiring. Metal ladders conduct electricity.
10. Use the right ladder for the job, ensuring it extends 3 feet over the roofline or working surface.
11. Never stand on a step ladder’s bucket shelf. Read and follow the warning stickers for highest standing levels.
12. Don’t carry equipment while climbing. Wear a tool belt or have someone hand equipment to you.
LifeShield™ Security is the first national, professional grade and professionally monitored wireless security system that uses an easy to set-up “plug and protect” process, providing superior home protection and the best value in total home security. For more on LifeShield Security, visit www.lifeshield.com
