EDDIE SEAGLE: Help make the holidays much safer

“He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree.”

— Charlotte Carpenter

“Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.”

— Calvin Coolidge

“Christmas lights instantly make me feel like seven years old again.”

— Autumn Seagle

Thanksgiving (the first part of this trifecta holiday season) is over and behind us, but we continue to offer up thanks each day for all our blessings. This year is passing so very quickly, even though the number of ticks on the clock are the same. It seems like only yesterday that we were decorating for last Christmas. However, the Christmas season is upon us as we generate some holiday spirit while the weather continues to be warmer than usual this time of the year.

A very common sighting this time of the year is in our expression of holiday spirit through displaying colorful lights. Christmas lights can be seen — at home, at work, in the community, on TV, etc. Such decorations help spread the holiday spirit within each of us! Little ones adore them. Such expressions of decoration and appreciation help bring joy and gladness into our hearts. We make special trips across town and into the country simply to observe all these lighted decorations.

However, with these lights come much responsibility to ensure the safety of the home, workplace and community throughout this season. Each year, fire departments regularly respond to structure fires caused by Christmas trees and faulty lighting or connections. Carefully decorating Christmas trees with appropriate lights can help make the holidays much safer.

Furthermore, we are experiencing a long drought with an ever increasing fire hazard factor. Please keep everyone and all wildlife in prayer, especially in north Georgia, western North Carolina, and eastern Tennessee. These wildfires continue to burn precious lands putting people and animals in harm’s way as the drought continues.

Safety tips should be considered with the selection, placement, lighting and storage or disposal of your chosen trees. In tree selection, picking the right tree is critical. We all want a tree that is the right size and properly shaped. Also, choose a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched. A trip to the tree farm aids in picking the tree of your choice which will be most fresh and healthy. If choosing from pre-cut trees, pay attention to the condition of the tree, the distance it has traveled (wind damage and drying), and the length of time that it has been cut. If you have selected an artificial tree, be sure that it is labeled, certified, or identified by the manufacturer as fire retardant.

Before placing the real tree in an appropriate, sturdy stand, saw about 1 inch from the base of the trunk to provide a fresher bottom surface for water absorption. Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source such as fireplaces, heat vents, heaters, candles or lights. Also, be sure the tree is not blocking an exit. Add sufficient water to the tree stand, check water level frequently, and add water daily throughout the duration of its use.

The decorating of the tree is the next step in this process. Use safe ornaments and lights with a label indicating approval from an independent testing laboratory. Indoor lights cannot safely be used in the outdoors. Always read the packaging to determine where your lights can be used (inside or outside).

Always replace any string of lights that has worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Never connect more than three strands of mini-string sets or maximum of 50 bulbs for screw-in bulbs to an individual power outlet. Use approved power strips with circuit breakers in making your connections to the power supply at the nearest electrical socket. In addition, read the manufacturer’s instructions for the number of LED strands that can be safely connected.

Use duct tape to secure loose wires that can get in the way of people and pets moving around in a room or on a porch. Always bundle loose wires with zip ties or fasteners in a hideaway to help keep the room presentable and free of clutter. Lights use a lot of power so never overload power sockets or outlets. Be sure that the lights have proper ventilation by keeping the lights free of objects that could over-heat and start a fire.

Do not use burning candles to decorate the tree. Always turn off the Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed. Never leave burning lights home alone. If you have pets, be sure to keep them away from the decorated tree at all times. Large dogs can knock over the tree and cats (with all their curiosity) will climb the tree and cause it to tip over. Both dogs and cats will chew on the electrical cords causing problems for themselves and the home.

Once the tree has served its purpose and Christmas has passed, take the tree down before it begins to excessively drop needles. Trees that have dried out and expired become a fire hazard and should not be left in the home or garage, or placed outside against the home. Be sure to check with your local community to find a recycling program or disposable process for your tree. Properly label, wrap tangle-free and store all your electrical lights (indoors and outdoors) as you take them down after the holidays.

The cardboard box that your artificial tree came in will begin to deteriorate and encourage insect infestation over time. Select an appropriately sized bag(s) or storage box(es) for off-season storage. The benefit of using an artificial tree is that it is in sections with lights permanently attached. However, special ornaments benefit from being stored in their original packaging and placed into a larger storage box. If the original box is not available, then store smaller ornaments in an empty egg carton.

The most important things for people with natural trees are to keep them properly watered, decorated with proper and safe lighting, and knowing when to take it down after the holidays before it becomes too dry. Also, never use indoor extension cords for outside lighting, unplug light strings before changing bulbs, do not overload extension cords, replace burned-out bulbs promptly with the same wattage bulbs, and always read product safety labels before product use.

May the results of your holiday efforts be photo ops and memory-makers for seasons to come. Be aware and think safety and responsibility! Select awesome seasonal plants for the upcoming holidays. Enjoy the Christmas lights in your area. Also, plan a road trip to enjoy Christmas lights with all that splendor and beauty of the season.

Remember to feed and water the songbirds and give your pets the care they need. Do not allow them to have their way with holiday decorations or leave them out at night when the temperature drops very low.

Keep your hanging baskets and potted plants refreshed with water and food as you acclimate them into their new settings away from coming adverse conditions. Also, be on lookout for children playing and bicyclists riding along the streets and roadways throughout our communities during this long holiday season. Don’t drive distracted or impaired, and don’t text while driving. Let’s keep everyone safe while we enjoy this CHRISTmas season. May your decorating efforts provide you with an atmosphere filled with ornamental appeal and spiritual contentment. A very Merry CHRISTmas season to all and to all, Happy December activities with family and friends!

“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12.

Eddie Seagle is a sustainability associate, Golf Environment Organization (Scotland); agronomist and horticulturalist, CSI: Seagle (Consulting Services International); professor emeritus and honorary alumnus, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, and associate editor of The Golf Course, International Journal of Golf Science. Direct inquiries to [email protected].