Safe Holiday Decorating: Keeping the Season Merry and Bright
- Sadie Carns
- 20 hours ago
- 2 min read
The holiday season is a time for celebration, joy, and festive decorations—but it’s also one of the most common times of year for preventable injuries. From falls while hanging lights to fires sparked by dry trees, holiday decorating can pose hidden dangers. With a few safety precautions, you can keep your celebrations cheerful and injury-free this season.
Falls and Ladder Safety
Falls from ladders are the most common decorating injury each year. Whether you’re hanging lights or placing the star on top of the tree, it’s important to climb safely and use the right equipment.
Risk: Climbing on unstable surfaces, overreaching, or using furniture instead of a proper ladder.
Prevention Tips:
✅ Use a sturdy ladder on level ground.
✅ Have a helper hold the ladder steady.
✅ Avoid leaning or overreaching—move the ladder instead.
✅ Never climb while carrying heavy or bulky items.
Trip and Slip Hazards: Tangled cords, rugs, or cluttered walkways can quickly cause accidents.
Keep all cords and decorations secured and out of walkways.
Ensure adequate lighting in all areas where people will walk.
Remove clutter or loose rugs that could lead to trips or slips.
Fire Safety
Decorations can make your home glow with holiday spirit—but they also increase fire risk if not used safely.
Dry Christmas Trees
A dry tree can ignite in seconds.
🌲 Keep natural trees watered daily.
🌲 Place trees away from fireplaces, radiators, and heat vents.
🌲 Choose flame-resistant artificial trees if you prefer not to use a live one.
Flammable Materials
Paper, tinsel, and some garlands can catch fire easily.
🔥 Use flame-retardant materials whenever possible.
🔥 Keep all decorations away from candles, open flames, and heaters.
Lights and Outlets
Old or overloaded light strands are a leading cause of holiday fires.
💡 Only use UL-approved lights (look for the UL safety seal).
💡 Inspect cords and bulbs for damage before plugging them in.
💡 Avoid overloading outlets or extension cords.
💡 Turn off all decorations before going to bed or leaving home.
Electrical Injury Prevention
Faulty decorations or overloaded circuits can cause electric shock or even fires.
⚠️ Only use decorations in good condition—no frayed wires or cracked sockets.
⚠️ Use outdoor-rated cords for outdoor displays.
⚠️ Avoid plugging too many items into one outlet.
⚠️ Unplug decorations when not in use.
Choking and Cuts
Holiday decorations can be beautiful—but some can pose hidden dangers for small children and pets.
Choking Hazards
Small ornaments, hooks, and removable parts can be dangerous.
🎀 Keep small decorations out of reach of children and pets.
🎀 Avoid items with loose or detachable pieces in play areas.
Cuts and Scrapes
Broken ornaments and sharp edges can cause injuries.
💎 Hang fragile or glass ornaments higher on the tree.
💎 Clean up broken glass immediately and safely.
💎 Consider using shatterproof ornaments for extra safety.
🌟 Keep the Holidays Joyful—and Safe
A few simple steps can make all the difference in preventing injuries, fires, and other hazards during the holidays. Take the time to decorate carefully, stay alert to potential risks, and enjoy a safe, happy holiday season with family and friends.
Happy Holidays from the American Trauma Society, Pennsylvania Division!
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