Be smart about indoor holiday decorating

  • Published
  • 17th Training Wing Safety
GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas-- --  The Consumer Product Safety Commission tells us that candles start about 11,600 fires each year, resulting in 150 deaths, 1,200 injuries and $173 million in property loss. Christmas trees are involved in about 300 fires annually, resulting in 10 deaths, 30 injuries and an average of more than $10 million in property loss and damage.

"Sometimes people are having such a nice time during the holidays that they forget to extinguish candles," said CPSC Chairman Hal Stratton. "Always put out lit candles before leaving a room or going to bed. Always keep burning candles within sight. Also, make sure your holiday lights bear the mark of a recognized testing lab to show they meet safety standards."

Tree selection must emphasize freshness to minimize the fire hazard of dry needles. Shake the tree; if needles fall from limbs, put it back, and purchase one whose needles do not drop. Before mounting it in the house, cut its base so it can absorb water and check the water level daily. Place the tree away from fireplaces and other heat sources.

Use only lights that are Underwriter's Laboratory approved. Before putting them on the tree, make sure there are no frayed wires, loose plugs or broken bulbs. Use flame-resistant trimmings. Do not overload electrical outlets or run electrical cords under rugs or in traffic areas. Always cut the lights off before leaving the house or going to bed.

Some useful indoor decorating tips can be found at http://usgovinfo.about.com/library/weekly/blholidaysafety.htm


CASE STUDY: Indoor Decorating - Head over Heels for Christmas

A worker who performs secretarial duties had an uneventful day in the office. Prior to departing for the day she collected a folder of paperwork and a soda in her left hand, slipped her purse over her right shoulder, and walked to the stairwell located in the center of the building to leave for the day.

In the spirit of the holiday season, personnel had placed various decorations within the building. One three foot section of the handrail, ascending/descending from the second floor and adjacent to a set of three stairs was wrapped with decoration. This section led to a landing prior to another series of stairs. The worker stated she normally grabs the handrail while walking down the stairs but did not on this occasion because of the decorations. Although there were decorations present, the handrail was still accessible, but not used. While unsure of exactly what caused her to stumble, she believes the heel on her shoe did not completely clear the first step and caught a portion of the stair as she attempted to take her first downward step. This event initiated her fall. She was carrying a folder and soda in her left hand and a purse over her right shoulder. The items in her left hand prevented her from grabbing the handrail with both hands, but she did manage to grab the handrail with her right hand and broke the initial momentum of the fall, which also helped to decrease its severity. Her grasp of the handrail with her right hand was not strong enough to stop the fall, and she lost her grip, possibly due to the decorations wrapped around the handrail. She fell down three steps and came to rest on the landing prior to another series of stairs.

A witness assisted her to her feet and made sure she did not require immediate medical attention. Though clearly shaken and experiencing discomfort, she proceeded home. The next day, the worker reported to the base clinic for evaluation and was diagnosed with contusion and sprain related injuries to her left shoulder and hip, both wrists, and right ankle. She was prescribed pain medication and placed on four days quarters.

Bottom line: Decorations are a beautiful and fun part of the holidays, but be sure not to let your enthusiasm for decking the halls compromise safety.

(Courtesy of Air Force Safety Center Ground Safety Division)