Holiday Decorating Safety

ZANESVILLE, Ohio –  For many, Thanksgiving means that Christmas is just around the corner and the decoration chores are about to begin. 

Zanesville Fire Department Chief Jeff Bell shared some holiday decorating reminders that could prevent misfortune from spoiling all the festive activities. 

“You know, use common sense and that,” Bell said. “We want to make sure that when we’re setting up our trees, whether they are live or artificial, keep them away from heat sources. So you know it looks beautiful to have that tree right beside the fireplace and that but make sure that we’re three feet away from heaters, fireplaces and that when we’re setting up our trees. If you have a live tree, make sure we’re keeping it watered. If it is drying out, you know make sure that we get it out of the house. Make sure that we’re not keeping it too long into the year.”

Bell noted that candles with their open flames are the biggest holiday hazards, along with mantle decorations being hung too close to the fireplace opening. He added that inspecting your Christmas light’s wiring before hanging is a good practice to get into.

“Make sure that we follow all our manufacturers recommendations for lights and that,” Bell said. “How many strands you can go… you can string together. Make sure you are using your indoor lights indoors. Make sure if you’re using them outdoors, if they’re rated for outdoor use. And that we’re plugging directly into our wall outlets or we’re using surge protectors. And just make sure we’re turning those lights off and everything. And just keep a monitor on all of your lighting and your decorations and all that throughout the Christmas season.”

Aside from the decorations, Bell urges physical safety. Climbing on stable ladders, using three points of contact and having somebody close by to assist because a severe fall can ruin the season just as easily as a fire.