The holiday season is upon us. We’re bringing out trees, strings of lights and lovely holiday decorations to make our homes look festive and cheery. Maybe we’re sending our spouses up on ladders to string lights on the roof or untangling ornament hooks to decorate the tree. When we’re so focused on the season sometimes we forget to be cautious.

I like to keep things simple at Christmas. We’ll hang a wreath on the door and put up a small tree. My favorite part of decorating the tree is remembering the stories behind all the ornaments and the special times I have shared with my family.

Follow these tips for safe holiday decorating:

1) Your Christmas Tree

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, “Christmas trees account for 200 fires annually, that can result in millions in property damage, injuries and even death.  Typically shorts in electrical lights or open flames from candles, lighters or matches start tree fires. Well-watered trees are not a problem. Dry and neglected trees can be.”

2) Ladders

Using a ladder to hang holiday decorations is a must if you are hanging lights or garland in high places. But using an old, rickety ladder isn’t. Inspect your ladder when setting it up to make sure it is steady and safe. Always make sure you have a helper to hold the ladder while you’re on it.

3) Those Twinkling Lights

They’re so pretty and the epitome of Christmas & holiday decorations. Whether you’re lighting candles or strings of lights make sure you follow some basic tips to keep everyone safe.

• Indoors or outside, use only lights that have been tested for safety by a recognized testing laboratory, such as UL or ETL. This indicates conformance with safety standards. Use only lights that have plugs containing fuses.
• Check each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. Throw out damaged sets. Always replace burned-out bulbs promptly with the same wattage bulbs.
• If using an extension cord, make sure it is rated for the intended use.
• Never use electric lights on a metallic tree. The tree can become charged with electricity from faulty lights, and a person touching a branch could be electrocuted.
• Before using lights outdoors, check labels to be sure they have been certified for outdoor use.
• Stay away from power or feeder lines leading from utility poles into older homes.
• Fasten outdoor lights securely to trees, house walls, or other firm supports to protect the lights from wind damage. Use only insulated staples (not nails or tacks) to hold strings in place or run strings of lights through hooks (available at hardware stores).
• Turn off all holiday lights when you go to bed or leave the house. The lights could short out and start a fire.
• Outdoor lights and decorations should be plugged into circuits protected by ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) to protect against electric shock. Portable outdoor GFCIs can be purchased where electrical supplies are sold. GFCIs can also be installed permanently to household circuits by a qualified electrician.

4) Seasonal Plants

Holly and Mistletoe is a traditional plant this time of year but they are both poisonous. Take care when using them or better yet find some lovely imitation plants at a craft store, especially if you have small children or pets. Poinsettias; however, are not poisonous. Double check your holiday plants with this list to make sure it’s safe for everyone.

Intelligent First Aid wants us all to be safe this Holiday Season. They strongly believe that families should have not only a first aid kit, but also the right one, that’s why they are gave Blissfully Domestic readers a chance to win the most intelligent safety and first aid kit available.

The Talking First Aid kit comes with Talking Care Packs for Breathing/CPR, Bleeding, Shock Care, Head & Spine Care, Bone Care, Eye Care, Burn Care, Bites & Stings Care, Basic First Aid. It also comes with a full color guide book, the Talking product manual, and a flashlight/book light, and all the supplies you need in a first aid emergency. Basically, this kit will tell you what you need to do in all of these emergency situations!

* Intelligent First Aid is partnering with Blissfully Domestic for this campaign. Contest Ends December 18th at Midnight.