Decorating your apartment for the holidays will bring much-needed joy to an unprecedented year. We want to remind you to stay safe and happy and be wary of safety hazards.

Here are some key holiday decoration safety tips:

  • Replace any electric decorations with worn or frayed cords.
  • Do not leave electric decorations on while sleeping or away from the home.
  • Avoid overloading outlets, and do not connect more than 3 strings of lights together.
  • Candles start almost half of home decoration fires; never leave candles unattended when you go to sleep or leave your apartment. Consider opting for battery-operated candles instead.
  • Ensure that all electrical cords are not pinched by furniture or forced into tight spaces.
  • Keep live trees well-hydrated and away from heat sources. Ensure that faux trees are labeled “fire-resistant.”
  • Consider keeping a fire extinguisher next to your tree.
  • For any decorations in high places, use a proper ladder and ensure someone is there to support the base. If you are using a ladder,  always keep three points of contact on the ladder (2 hands and 1 foot or 2 feet and 1 hand) and follow the 1-to-4 rule for extension ladders: for every four feet the ladder rises, move the base out one foot from the structure.