Deck the halls: Your guide to decorating safely this holiday season

The holiday season is officially here, which means it’s time to bring the festive spirit into your home. While glittering lights and festive ornaments create a magical atmosphere, safety should always be your top priority. Decorating safely doesn’t have to be a chore, either. It’s wise to do whatever it takes to keep your home and family safe. And we’ve got the tips to help you do just that.

Here’s how you can decorate your home beautifully — and responsibly — this holiday season.

Twinkling lights are a holiday staple, but they come with risks if not handled properly. Before you put them up on the tree, start with a few simple steps. First, inspect your lights before stringing up those bulbs. Check for frayed wires, broken sockets, or loose connections. Be sure to replace damaged strands immediately. Check for the difference between outdoor and indoor lights. Only use the lights that are specifically labeled for outdoor or indoor use in the correct settings.

To help keep your home truly safe, consider using LED lights, which are not only energy-efficient. They also generate less heat, reducing the risk of fire. Consider using a timer or smart plug to ensure your lights automatically turn off at night or when you’re not home.

Extension cords are handy, especially during the holidays. However, they can become hazards if misused. Focus on decorating safely using extension cords by not overloading the circuits. If you plug too many devices into one outlet, overheating may occur.

You should also work to place your cords safely, away from high-traffic areas, which could lead to trips and falls. And if you’re decorating outdoors, make sure you only use weather-proof cords that are labeled for exterior use.

The Christmas tree often takes center stage, but it also comes with its own set of safety concerns. Keep your tree upright and protected to keep your home safe. Start by anchoring your tree. Regardless of whether your tree is real or artificial, you need to secure your tree to avoid it tipping over — especially if kids or pets are around.

Next, keep your tree away from heat sources. Position your tree at least three feet from fireplaces, radiators, and space heaters to make sure it doesn’t start heating up. And if you have a real tree, water it daily. Dry trees are a significant fire hazard, so keep them hydrated.

It’s true that candles add warmth and charm. But they can also be dangerous. If you want the glow of candles during the holidays, some simple tweaks to your normal décor can help keep your home safe. Try decorating safely using battery-operated, flameless candles to get the ambiance without the risk.

If you do use regular candles, keep them away from flammables. Make sure your candles are far from curtains, paper decorations, or other flammable materials. And then, don’t leave them unattended. Be sure to extinguish candles before you leave the room so your home stays safe.

Little hands and curious paws require extra caution during the holidays. Avoid decorating with breakable ornaments that kids and pets may accidentally knock off the tree and shatter. Opt instead for shatter-proof ornaments, especially on the lower branches of your tree. You’ll want to tidy up any wires and hooks, too, to keep them out of reach.

The holidays are also a time to bring in popular plants like poinsettias, mistletoe, and holly. While beautiful and festive, they can be toxic to pets and children. Keep them out of reach or skip them entirely to keep your loved ones safe.

From cozy fireplaces to festive cooking, there’s a lot of heat being turned up during the holidays. That’s why fire safety is a must during the holidays. Before you have family gracing your home, test your smoke alarms. Make sure all alarms are functioning properly before holiday festivities begin.

Next, make sure you invest in a fire extinguisher if you don’t already have one. Make sure it’s easily accessible in case of emergencies. And don’t forget to practice safe fireplace use. Keep a screen in front of the fireplace and avoid using wrapping paper as kindling, because it burns too quickly and intensely.

By taking a few extra precautions for decorating safely, you can enjoy all the magic of the season while keeping your family, pets, and home safe. So go ahead. Deck the halls, hang the stockings, and bask in the holiday cheer knowing you’ve created a festive space that’s both beautiful and secure.