The 2017 holiday season has begun! It’s time to deck the halls, bake goodies and attend holiday events. With all the hustle and bustle, many safety issues arise. While providing building maintenance for Roseville and surrounding areas, we’ve seen our fair share of holiday mishaps. To make sure you and your tenants have a safe holiday season, we want to offer some tips.
Decorating Tips
- Make sure your Christmas tree is at least 3 feet from any heat source, such as heat vents, radiators and fireplaces.
- Keep the tree well hydrated throughout the season
Move ornaments that are breakable or have metal hooks toward the top of the tree, out of reach from small children and pets.- Check the lights to be sure there are no exposed or frayed wires, loose connections or broken sockets.
- Only use indoor lights indoors and outdoor lights outdoors.
- Angel hair, made from spun glass, can irritate your eyes and skin; always wear gloves when handling or substitute non-flammable cotton.
- Never use lighted candles near trees, boughs, curtains or other flammable item.
- Never leave burning candles unattended or within reach of children.
- When spraying artificial snow, be sure to follow directions carefully. These sprays can irritate your lungs if inhaled.
- Some holiday plants can be poisonous to people and animals. Some to keep out of reach include mistletoe, holly berries, amaryllis and certain poinsettias.
- For outdoor lights, be sure to fasten them securely with insulated staples or hooks to avoid wind damage. Never nail, tack or stress wiring when hanging lights. Also keep plugs off the ground, away from snow and puddles.
Ladder Safety
- When putting up holiday decorations, always use the proper step stool or ladder to reach high places. Don’t stand on chairs, desks or furniture.
- If using a step ladder near a doorway, lock or barricade the door and post signs so no one will open it and knock you off.
- A straight or extension ladder should be placed one foot away from the surface it rests against for every four feet of ladder height.
- Always climb a ladder facing it and gripping the rungs, not the side rails. Always keep three points of contact on the ladder: two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand.
- Do not lean too far away from the ladder. Reposition the ladder closer instead.
- If using a ladder outdoors, get down immediately if high winds, rain or snow begins.
Travel Tips
- Prepare your car for the winter by checking brakes, spark plugs, battery and tires.
- Be prepared for an emergency on the road with a “survival kit.” Some things to include are working flashlight, extra batteries, reflective triangles, first aid kit, ice scraper, snow brush, blankets, drinking water and high-energy, nonperishable food.
These are just a few tips to help make your holiday season a safe and enjoyable one. If you are looking for building maintenance in Roseville or the surrounding Twin Cities area, give BMM a call at 763-541-4886 or Contact Us. Have a wonderful holiday season!
