US Recall News

United States Recall News Alerts for Recalled Drugs, Food, Products, & Vehicles

MENUMENU
  • Home
  • About
    • Advertise
  • Full Recall News Archive
    • Top Story

      J&J Settles Talc Mesothelioma Settlement

      By Sandra Dalton, Staff Writer On January 6, 2020, Superior Court Judge Stephen Kaus announced that Johnson & Johnsons (J&J) had agreed to … [Read More...]

      Winston Products Recalls 5/8-Inch HydroTech Expandable Burst-Proof Hoses Due to Risk of Impact Hazard and Temporarily Impaired Hearing

      The recalled hoses can burst, posing an impact hazard and a risk of temporarily impaired hearing. … [Read More...]

    • More Safety Articles
    • Federal Preemption of State Product Liability Law
  • Drug Recalls
    • Abilify
    • Benicar
    • Fluoroquinolones
    • Invokana
    • Lipitor
    • Nuplazid
    • Opioids
    • OxyContin
    • Pradaxa
    • Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)
    • Risperdal
    • SSRI
    • Symptoms & Side Effects
    • Taxotere
    • Testosterone
    • Uloric
    • Valsartan
    • Xarelto
    • Zofran
  • Medical Devices
    • 3M Earplug
    • 3T Heater-Cooler System
    • Bair Hugger
    • Bipolar Hip System
    • Essure
    • Hip Replacements
    • Implanon
    • IVC Filters
    • Hernia Mesh
    • Power Morcellators
    • Shoulder Implants
    • Transvaginal Mesh
  • Food Recalls
    • FDA Press Releases
    • USDA Press Releases
  • Auto Recalls
    • Air Bags
    • Ignitions
    • NHTSA Press Releases
    • Off-Road Utility Vehicles
    • Snowmobiles
    • Tires
  • Other Products
    • Asbestos
    • Baby Products
    • Pet Products
    • Roundup
    • Talcum Powder
    • Toy Recalls
You are here: Home / US News / CPSC Releases Do's and Don'ts of Holiday Decorating

CPSC Releases Do's and Don'ts of Holiday Decorating

December 17, 2008 By The CPSC Leave a Comment

WASHINGTON, D.C. – THE HOLIDAY SEASON IS HERE AND THE U.S. CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION (CPSC) IS URGING CONSUMERS TO KEEP SAFETY IN MIND AS THEY DECORATE FOR THE HOLIDAYS. FLICKERING CANDLES, BLINKING HOLIDAY LIGHTS AND FRAGRANT EVERGREENS ARE BEAUTIFUL STAPLES OF THE HOLIDAY SEASON, BUT WHEN USED IMPROPERLY, THESE HOLIDAY DECORATING “MUST HAVES” CAN POSE DEADLY DANGERS.

EACH YEAR, DURING THE 60 DAYS SURROUNDING THE WINTER HOLIDAY SEASON, ABOUT 11,000 PEOPLE ARE TREATED IN HOSPITAL EMERGENCY ROOMS DUE TO DECORATION-RELATED INJURIES WITH FALLS, CUTS, SHOCKS AND BURNS TOPPING THE LIST. THE NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION ESTIMATES THAT EACH YEAR AN AVERAGE OF 240 FIRES INVOLVING DRIED-OUT CHRISTMAS TREES RESULT IN 16 DEATHS AND $13 MILLION IN PROPERTY DAMAGE. AN AVERAGE OF 13,000 CANDLE-RELATED FIRES ARE ESTIMATED BY CPSC STAFF TO OCCUR ANNUALLY, RESULTING IN 170 DEATHS AND $390 MILLION IN PROPERTY DAMAGE.

“DEATHS, INJURIES AND THE MILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN PROPERTY DAMAGE RELATED TO HOLIDAY-DECORATING HAZARDS ARE PREVENTABLE”, SAID CPSC ACTING CHAIRMAN NANCY NORD. “KEEP THE HOLIDAYS FESTIVE, BY KEEPING YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS SAFE FROM HARM.”

USE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY TIPS WHEN DECORATING THIS YEAR:

TREES AND DECORATIONS:

WHEN PURCHASING AN ARTIFICIAL TREE, DO LOOK FOR THE LABEL “FIRE RESISTANT.” ALTHOUGH THIS LABEL DOES NOT MEAN THE TREE WON’T CATCH FIRE, IT DOES INDICATE THE TREE IS MORE RESISTANT TO BURNING. WHEN PURCHASING A LIVE TREE, DO CHECK FOR FRESHNESS. A FRESH TREE IS GREEN, NEEDLES ARE HARD TO PULL FROM BRANCHES AND DO NOT BREAK WHEN BENT BETWEEN YOUR FINGERS. THE BOTTOM OF A FRESH TREE IS STICKY WITH RESIN, AND WHEN TAPPED ON THE GROUND, THE TREE SHOULD NOT LOSE MANY NEEDLES. WHEN SETTING UP A TREE AT HOME, DO PLACE IT AWAY FROM FIREPLACES, VENTS, AND RADIATORS. BECAUSE HEATED ROOMS DRY OUT LIVE TREES RAPIDLY, BE SURE TO KEEP THE STAND FILLED WITH WATER. PLACE THE TREE OUT OF THE WAY OF TRAFFIC, AND DO NOT BLOCK DOORWAYS. WHEN TRIMMING A TREE, DO USE ONLY NON-COMBUSTIBLE OR FLAME-RESISTANT MATERIALS. IN HOMES WITH SMALL CHILDREN, DO TAKE SPECIAL CARE TO AVOID SHARP OR BREAKABLE DECORATIONS, KEEP TRIMMINGS WITH SMALL REMOVABLE PARTS OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN WHO COULD SWALLOW OR INHALE SMALL PIECES, AND AVOID TRIMMINGS THAT RESEMBLE CANDY OR FOOD THAT MAY TEMPT A CHILD TO EAT THEM. TO AVOID LUNG IRRITATION, FOLLOW CONTAINER DIRECTIONS CAREFULLY WHILE DECORATING WITH ARTIFICIAL SNOW SPRAYS.

LIGHTS:

INDOORS OR OUTSIDE, DO USE ONLY LIGHTS THAT HAVE BEEN TESTED FOR SAFETY BY A NATIONALLY-RECOGNIZED TESTING LABORATORY, SUCH AS UL OR ETL/ITSNA. USE ONLY NEWER LIGHTS THAT HAVE THICKER WIRING AND SAFETY FUSES TO PREVENT THE WIRES FROM OVERHEATING. CHECK EACH SET OF LIGHTS, NEW OR OLD, FOR BROKEN OR CRACKED SOCKETS, FRAYED OR BARE WIRES, OR LOOSE CONNECTIONS. THROW OUT DAMAGED SETS. IF USING AN EXTENSION CORD, DO MAKE SURE IT IS RATED FOR THE INTENDED USE. DON’T USE ELECTRIC LIGHTS ON A METALLIC TREE. THE TREE CAN BECOME CHARGED WITH ELECTRICITY FROM FAULTY LIGHTS, AND A PERSON TOUCHING A BRANCH COULD BE ELECTROCUTED. WHEN USING LIGHTS OUTDOORS, DO CHECK LABELS TO BE SURE THEY HAVE BEEN CERTIFIED FOR OUTDOOR USE AND ONLY PLUG THEM INTO A GROUND-FAULT CIRCUIT INTERRUPTER (GFCI) PROTECTED RECEPTACLE OR A PORTABLE GFCI. DO TURN OFF ALL HOLIDAY LIGHTS WHEN YOU GO TO BED OR LEAVE THE HOUSE. THE LIGHTS COULD SHORT OUT AND START A FIRE.

CANDLES:

KEEP BURNING CANDLES WITHIN SIGHT. KEEP LIGHTED CANDLES AWAY FROM ITEMS THAT CAN CATCH FIRE AND BURN EASILY, SUCH AS TREES, OTHER EVERGREENS, DECORATIONS, CURTAINS AND FURNITURE. ALWAYS USE NON-FLAMMABLE HOLDERS AND KEEP AWAY FROM CHILDREN AND PETS. EXTINGUISH ALL CANDLES BEFORE YOU GO TO BED, LEAVE THE ROOM OR LEAVE THE HOUSE.

FIREPLACES:

USE CARE WITH “FIRE SALTS,” WHICH PRODUCE COLORED FLAMES WHEN THROWN ON WOOD FIRES. THEY CONTAIN HEAVY METALS THAT, IF EATEN, CAN CAUSE INTENSE GASTROINTESTINAL IRRITATION AND VOMITING. KEEP THEM AWAY FROM CHILDREN. DON’T BURN WRAPPING PAPER OR PLASTIC ITEMS IN THE FIREPLACE. THESE MATERIALS CAN IGNITE SUDDENLY AND BURN INTENSELY, RESULTING IN A FLASH FIRE. PLACE A SCREEN AROUND YOUR FIREPLACE TO PREVENT SPARKS FROM IGNITING NEARBY FLAMMABLE MATERIALS.

GET A FREE BROCHURE WITH HOLIDAY DECORATING AND TOY SAFETY TIPS AT CPSC’S WEB SITE WWW.CPSC.GOV (PDF)

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print

Related

Filed Under: US News

About The CPSC

CPSC is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with the use of the thousands of types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction.

Leave a ReplyCancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Facebook
Thomas Roney LLC
Economic Consulting

J&J Settles Talc Mesothelioma Settlement

January 15, 2020 By Advice Media

Winston Products Recalls 5/8-Inch HydroTech Expandable Burst-Proof Hoses Due to Risk of Impact Hazard and Temporarily Impaired Hearing

July 23, 2025 By The CPSC

Curtis International Recalls Frigidaire-brand Minifridges Due to Fire and Burn Hazards; More Than $700,000 Reported in Property Damage

July 23, 2025 By The CPSC

Pura Scents Recalls Detachable Covers of Smart Home Fragrance Diffusers Due to Magnet Ingestion Hazard

July 23, 2025 By The CPSC

Hero Highlight

J&J Settles Talc Mesothelioma Settlement

January 15, 2020 By Advice Media

LED Gloves Recalled Due to Risk of Serious Injury or Death from Battery Ingestion; Violates the Mandatory Toy Standard and Child Resistant Coin Battery Packaging Standard; Sold on Amazon by Minongad

July 23, 2025 By The CPSC

Diamond G Forest Products Recalls Turpentine Bottles Due to Risk of Serious Injury or Death from Child Poisoning; Violates Mandatory Standard for Child Resistant Packaging

July 23, 2025 By The CPSC

Innovative Designs Recalls Minecraft Light-Up Slap Ruler Bracelets Due to Risk of Serious Injury or Death from Button Cell Battery Ingestion Hazard; Violates Mandatory Standard for Toys

July 23, 2025 By The CPSC

Creekwood Naturals Recalls 100% Natural Pure Gum Spirits of Turpentine Bottles Due to Risk of Serious Injury or Death from Child Poisoning; Violates Mandatory Standard for Child Resistant Packaging

July 23, 2025 By The CPSC

FENGQS Electric Bikes Recalled Due to Fire and Burn Hazards; Risk of Serious Injury or Death; Sold on Amazon

July 23, 2025 By The CPSC

J&J Settles Talc Mesothelioma Settlement

January 15, 2020 By Advice Media

Creekwood Naturals Recalls 100% Natural Pure Gum Spirits of Turpentine Bottles Due to Risk of Serious Injury or Death from Child Poisoning; Violates Mandatory Standard for Child Resistant Packaging

July 23, 2025 By The CPSC

FENGQS Electric Bikes Recalled Due to Fire and Burn Hazards; Risk of Serious Injury or Death; Sold on Amazon

July 23, 2025 By The CPSC

Aiho Dressers Recalled Due to Risk of Serious Injury or Death from Tip-Over and Entrapment; Violates Mandatory Standard; Sold on Walmart.com by Aiho

July 23, 2025 By The CPSC

Recall News in Your Inbox

Enter your email address to receive automated recall news updates.

Recent Comments

  • Roger McGowan on ABH NATURE’S PRODUCTS, INC, ABH PHARMA, INC., and STOCKNUTRA.COM, INC. Issues Nationwide Recall of All Lots of Dietary Supplement Products
  • Kathryn Moore on FDA Wants Cancer Warning on Breast Implants
  • BRAD on Huge ATV Recall by Polaris – Sportsman and Scrambler
  • Crystal Anderson on Allergan Voluntarily Recalls BIOCELL® Textured Breast Implants and Tissue Expanders
  • Outsourcing Training on The Modern Marketing of Pain
  • SANDRA Collett on Processed Food Preservative Linked to Autism?
  • Eric Karsh on Health Risks of Roundup Go Well Beyond Cancer

Recent Posts

  • Winston Products Recalls 5/8-Inch HydroTech Expandable Burst-Proof Hoses Due to Risk of Impact Hazard and Temporarily Impaired Hearing
  • Curtis International Recalls Frigidaire-brand Minifridges Due to Fire and Burn Hazards; More Than $700,000 Reported in Property Damage
  • Pura Scents Recalls Detachable Covers of Smart Home Fragrance Diffusers Due to Magnet Ingestion Hazard
  • iMirror Inc. Recalls Electric Bug Zapper Racket, Fly Swatter, and Mosquito Swatter Due to Shock Hazard
  • Transpro US Recalls Electric Scooters with Unauthorized Lithium-Ion Battery UL Certification Labels Due to Fire and Burn Hazards; Risk of Serious Injury and Death; $200,000 in Property Damage Reported
  • LED Gloves Recalled Due to Risk of Serious Injury or Death from Battery Ingestion; Violates the Mandatory Toy Standard and Child Resistant Coin Battery Packaging Standard; Sold on Amazon by Minongad
  • Diamond G Forest Products Recalls Turpentine Bottles Due to Risk of Serious Injury or Death from Child Poisoning; Violates Mandatory Standard for Child Resistant Packaging
  • Innovative Designs Recalls Minecraft Light-Up Slap Ruler Bracelets Due to Risk of Serious Injury or Death from Button Cell Battery Ingestion Hazard; Violates Mandatory Standard for Toys
  • Creekwood Naturals Recalls 100% Natural Pure Gum Spirits of Turpentine Bottles Due to Risk of Serious Injury or Death from Child Poisoning; Violates Mandatory Standard for Child Resistant Packaging
-- See More Recall News

Disclaimer: The information contained in these topics is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical or legal advice, it is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider about any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Nothing contained in these topics is intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment.


ATTORNEY ADVERTISING. The information provided on this website is not legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is formed by the use of this site. It is not stated or implied that a lawyer is certified as a specialist in any particular field of law. No results are guaranteed, and prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. This site is informational, only, not dispositive; it is up to you to decide whether a particular lawyer is right for you. Use of this site is subject to your agreement to these.


Copyright © 2025 Altrumedia · Terms of Service · Log in