BBB and pumbing BBB reviews of yuletide tree season

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSP) says that about 12,500 are hospitalized each year in the United States due to injuries related to Christmas lights, Christmas trees and decorations. You should put that in mind before climbing up your roof to hang your Christmas light decorations.

The CPSP also warned that an average of 11,600 fires are caused by lighted candles costing about $173 million in property damage, 1,200 injuries and 150 fatalities. Christmas tree related fires also number to about of 300 each year causing an average of 10 casualties, 30 injuries and about $10 million in losses and damages to property.

People tends to be careless while having a good time during the holiday festivities that they neglect to put out the candles according to Chairman Hal Stratton of the CPSC. Be sure to snuff out the candles before retiring to bed and always keep an eye on lighted ones. To prevent fire, consumers must refrain from using holiday lights that do not have the logo of a qualified testing laboratory that assure they meet safety regulations.

The CPSC advocates using only holiday lights that have passed the inspection standards of licensed testing laboratories. They have in fact prevented the entry of 116,500 holiday lights that failed safety standards since they have started monitoring them. Each Christmas lights, including the new ones must be examined for broken sockets, damaged wiring, and loose connections before plugging them in. Busted bulbs must be replaced with another with identical wattage to avoid overloading the set.

The CPSC warns the public to exercise caution when using fire salts that create colored flames when thrown on wood fires. They should be kept out of childrens reach because of their heavy metal content that can cause stomach ailments and vomiting if swallowed. Burning wrappers on the fireplace must be avoided as the can ignite and burn intensely because of their oil content.

Each set of Christmas lights, old and new alike must be inspected for damaged sockets, exposed wiring, wobbly connections and busted bulbs before using. Use bulbs with the same wattage when replacing busted ones. Use no more than 3 standard sized links of holiday lights per socket and use extension cords when you need additional lights. It is also unsafe to use electric lights on metallic tress. Damaged lights can cause electricity to run through the tree and cause electrocution. Make sure that the lights are certified for outdoor use before hanging them outside and secure them in place to prevent damage when the wind blows.

Added precautions must be exercised when small children are present in the house. Avoid using decorations that appears like food or candy to prevent then from accidentally swallowing them. Limit you decorations to flame resistant and non combustible materials and avoid sharp objects, leaded materials and glass decorations that are hazardous when swallowed by children.

Natural trees can easily catch fire. Use only freshly cut trees and avoid placing them near fireplaces and other warm areas that can cause them to dry faster. When buying artificial trees, choose only those that have fire resistant rating. This does not guarantee that they will not catch fire but simply means that In the event that they do catch fire, they will be easier to extinguish.

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