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I’m the first one to say decorate to your heart’s content for every holiday, but it’s also important to have safety measures in place before adding likely flammable decorations to your home—here are tips to decorate for fall and Halloween safely.
Tips to Decorate Safely
Tip One
Since October is Fire Prevention Month, this is a good time of the year to make sure you have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms on every level and in every bedroom of your home. Change batteries in your alarms at least every six months and for convenient protection consider an upgrade to First Alert’s Combination Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm with 10-Year Sealed Battery to eliminate the need for battery replacements.
Tip Two
It’s also important to make sure you have fire extinguishers, not only in the kitchen but on every level of the house. Make sure you know how to use a fire extinguisher. Remember the acronym P.A.S.S. ( P-pull the pin, A- aim the nozzle at the base of the fire, S-squeeze the trigger, S-sweep from side to side.)
Tip Three
Talk to your family about an escape plan. A few years back, we created an emergency evacuation bag. It gives me peace of mind that we are prepared with the essentials if we need to escape in a hurry. This month we also have an opportunity to talk through an actionable safety plan in case of a wildfire or other fire emergency. Plan and practice an escape plan with your family. Draw a map of your home and identify two exits out of each room. Also designate an outside meeting spot, a safe distance away from your home.
Check out First Alert’s Whole Home Safety Checklist for more, and you can find First Alert fire safety products at Lowe’s.
Tip Four
Nothing sets the mood like candles—but as much as I love the warm light and flicker of real candles I’ve switched to battery operated candles instead. Not only do they still create a beautiful atmosphere, but they’re also much safer.
Tip Five
if you’re using real candles don’t leave burning candles unattended. Extinguish all candles before going to bed at night or when you’re leaving the house. Also don’t use real candles around highly flammable decorations.
Set an alarm or use a timer to turn off all candles, electric and plugged in decor when you’re not home or at night.
Tip Six
Avoid overloading electrical outlets or extension cords. Use no more than three standard-size sets of lights per single extension cord. Keep all cords out of the way in high-traffic areas in your home.
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