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Underwriters Laboratories

Keeping Holidays Safe and Bright

For more than 115 years, Underwriters Laboratories (UL) has been working to protect families and to help keep the holidays safe and bright. UL independent engineers and scientists perform thousands of tests on everyday products from electric appliances and outlets to water and plastics. When you see the UL Mark, you can rest assured that the highest safety standards have been met.

With UL helping take care of safety, you can have more time to spend on the important things during this hectic holiday time. As you shop for gifts, decorations and all the special items you’ll need to make your holidays bright, remember to look for the UL Mark to be sure that a product has been tested, verified and inspected.

Here are a few tips to keep your family safe and secure this holiday season.

• Water, water, water your tree.
  Dry trees pose a fire risk. Make a fresh cut on the base before putting your tree into a sturdy stand and water frequently.

• Check your lights, check them twice.
  Inspect all of your electric lights and decorations for damage or wear. Cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires and loose connections may pose a fire or shock hazard.

• Plan your fire escape.
  Use the holidays as a good time to practice a fire escape plan with your loved ones. Identify at least two exits from every room in the house.

• Sleep safe: Install carbon monoxide alarms.
  Be sure that at least one carbon monoxide alarm is installed on each floor of your home and always close to sleeping areas.

• Limit plug-in toys to the big kids.
  It’s not safe to give a small child a toy or product that needs to be plugged into an electrical outlet due to possible burns or electric shock.

• Give wrapping paper a second life.
  Don’t burn used wrapping paper as it may cause intense flash fires. And throwing it out adds waste. Consider recycling or repurposing it instead.

• Know your lights and cords.
  Do not connect more than three miniature light strings together. Also, be sure to check the rating on your extension cords and do not plug in more than the recommended wattage.

• Steer your tree clear.
  Your tree should be positioned at least three feet away from fireplaces, radiators and other heat sources. It should also not block any doorways or exits.

• Decorate with a safe eye.
  Cords should not be run under carpets or tacked-up with metal nails or staples. Small decorations can be choking hazards so keep them out of the reach of toddlers.

• Look for UL.
  The UL Mark appears on products that have been tested, verified and inspected for safety. Make sure to look for it to make your holidays safe and bright.

To learn more about keeping your family safe, visit SafetyAtHome.com.

• Underwriters Laboratories