Stay safe during holiday decorating, CPSC says

Washington – Noting an increase in holiday decorating injuries last year, the Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued safety tips for consumers.

An estimated 15,000 decorating injuries occurred from during November and December 2012, according to CPSC. Based on emergency department visits, the most frequent decorating incidents were falls (34 percent), followed by lacerations (11 percent) and back strains (10 percent).

To help avoid falls, obey ladder warning labels. CPSC also suggests the following:

• For live trees, be sure to place them away from fireplaces, vents and other heat sources, and keep the tree stand filled with water.
• Extinguish candles when you go to sleep or leave the home, and place them on a stable, heat-resistant surface.
• Before hanging lights, check each set for broken sockets, frayed or bare wires and loose connections, and do not use electric lights on a metallic tree.
• Do not burn wrapping paper in the fireplace – it can ignite suddenly and cause a flash fire.