Safe Holiday Celebration

Attention to safety can go a long way toward keeping your holiday celebrations festive. Whether you're installing decorations or planning to do so, following these tips can help prevent injuries and damage:

Keep sidewalks and walkways clear of decorations. Repair any cracks in walkways or loose steps and make sure walkways aren't slippery.

If you host a party, serve plenty of appetizers and provide juices, non-alcoholic mixers, and sodas for designated drivers and non-drinking guests. Stop serving alcohol an hour before the party ends. Arrange alternate transportation for any guests who has had too much to drink.

At holiday gathering, remember that dogs pose risks for small children and may make some adults uncomfortable. Consider confining dogs to areas that won' t be used by guests. If you're visiting a home with a dog, don't leave your child alone with the animal.

Check each set of decorative lights for frayed wires, broken bulbs, or loose connections. Discard damaged sets. String no more than 3 sets of lights per extention cord. Never place cords or lights behind drapes, under carpets, or across walkways. Always turn off the lights before you go to bed each night.

Use a screen to keep embers in the fireplace. Extinguish candles when they burn down to 2 inches above the holder.

If you're buying a cut tree, check the needles to make sure it's fresh, and water it daily. Keep the tree away from heat vent and the fireplace.