With Christmas just around the corner and decorations going up, it’s crucial to keep safety in mind. Brad Hutton, fire chief of Redvers, is reminding residents to follow key safety tips for trees, lights, and decorations to ensure a safe and festive holiday season.
Hutton noted that artificial trees are generally safer than real ones. "You’ve got to make sure you water [the tree] every day or every other day," he said. "Make sure they stay moist and don’t dry out, because if they dry out, they become more prone to being a fire hazard." LED lights, now more commonly used for Christmas decorations, are safer than traditional lights.
"They run cooler and require less power than older Christmas lights," Hutton explained. Hutton also highlighted the growing complexity of holiday decorations, including lighting houses and using inflatable yard decorations. "The key is to make sure you’ve got good extension cords. If you’re outside, use an outdoor-rated cord that’s relatively heavy."
"Don’t substitute an indoor cord just because it has three ends," he said. He cautioned that indoor extension cords can fail in colder temperatures. Another important safety tip is not to overload outlets.
"Don’t overload your plugs. You’ll trip breakers or possibly cause a fire hazard by plugging in too many cords," Hutton said. He also advised: "Try not to add another cord with three ends to one that’s already in use. Remember, there’s a limit to how many amps each cord can handle."
By following these simple precautions, you can enjoy a festive and safe holiday season, minimizing the risk of accidents and ensuring a merry Christmas for all.