Decorating safely for the holidays

Light sets and outlets

Look for the label of an independent testing laboratory on any set of lights, and check whether it is made for indoor or outdoor use: some sets are made for one and not both. The CPSC advises never stringing more than three sets of incandescent lights together and never overloading an outlet.

Each season, look the cord over before it goes up. A set with a worn or broken cord or a loose bulb connection should be retired, not taped. Switch the lights off when you go to bed or leave the house, which is where a timer earns its keep.

Artificial trees

The CPSC advises looking for a "fire resistant" label on an artificial tree. Wherever the tree stands, keep it at least three feet from a fireplace, a heater or a candle, and make sure it does not block a way out of the room.

Candles and jack-o'-lanterns

The CPSC advises flameless candles whenever possible and never leaving a burning candle unattended. Fire services in Illinois advise a battery-operated candle or a glow stick in a jack-o'-lantern, and point out that dried flowers, cornstalks and crepe paper catch fire easily.

If you do burn a real candle, such as a wax skeleton candle on a side table, keep it clear of paper decorations and curtains and put it out before you leave the room.

The porch and the front steps

Keep exits clear of decorations so nothing blocks the way out, and leave a clear path to the door for trick-or-treaters. A prop with a wide base or tripod legs belongs to one side of the steps, not in the middle of the walk.

Kits with small parts

The CPSC requires toys and games that contain a small part, a latex balloon, a small ball or a marble to carry a label telling buyers not to give them to children of certain ages. That age is printed on the box of every kit with slime, charms, beads or balloons, and it is the number to follow, especially when a younger brother or sister is in the room.

The pieces these tips apply to are all part of the Oriental Cherry holiday range.