Just a Reminder - Check Your Holiday Decorations Before You Go to Sleep Tonight!
It’s that gorgeous red-and-green time of year again… along with the warm glow of menorahs and kinaras. The holiday season brings joy, celebration, and treasured moments at home — but it also brings increased safety risks. Many homeowners experience accidental injuries simply from holiday decorations that weren’t used safely.
Each year, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports that emergency rooms treat approximately 12,500 people for falls, burns, cuts, and electrical shocks related to holiday lights, decorations, and Christmas trees. To help keep your home safe this season, we’ve put together key holiday safety tips every homeowner should know.
At Ernest Homes, we’re committed to helping families enjoy safe, comfortable, beautifully built homes all year long. Learn more about our homes and communities at ErnestHomes.com.
Christmas Tree Safety Tips
- Choose a fresh tree. Look for sticky resin on the stump. If the stump is dry, choose another tree.
- Tap the tree gently — needles should be flexible, deep green, and firmly attached.
- Keep real trees watered daily to prevent fire hazards.
- Place trees away from fireplaces, heating vents, and radiators.
- If choosing an artificial tree, ensure it is labeled “flame resistant”.
Candle Safety for Menorahs, Kinaras & Holiday Décor
- Never place candles near trees, greenery, or flammable decorations.
- Use sturdy, non-flammable candle holders placed on flat, stable surfaces.
- Keep candles away from pets and small children.
- Extinguish candles whenever you leave the room — even briefly.
Holiday Light & Electrical Safety
- Use lights with fused plugs approved by a recognized testing laboratory.
- Inspect lights for frayed wires, cracked sockets, or exposed wiring.
- Replace burned-out bulbs with the correct wattage.
- Never use damaged light strings — discard them immediately.
- Limit to three light strings per extension cord.
- Never use electric lights on metallic trees due to electrocution risk.
- Use indoor-rated lights indoors and outdoor-rated lights outdoors.
- Turn off all lights before bedtime or leaving your home.
- Fasten outdoor lights with insulated hooks or clips — not nails or tacks.
- Plug outdoor décor into GFCI-protected outlets or portable GFCI adapters.
Safe Holiday Decorations
- Select decorations that are non-flammable or flame-resistant.
- Avoid items containing lead — especially around children.
- Follow instructions carefully when using snow spray to avoid lung irritation.
- Keep small, detachable decorative pieces out of reach of younger children.
Enjoy a Safe & Joyful Holiday Season at Home
Have you checked your décor for safety this year? A few simple precautions can make a major difference in keeping your family safe during the holidays.
If you’re dreaming of a new home for the holidays — or for the new year ahead — explore our thoughtfully designed floor plans and beautiful communities throughout coastal Georgia at ErnestHomes.com. Our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
You can reach our Sales Team at (912) 756-4135 or contact us online through our
