Decorating sends thousands to ERs

Every November and December about 10,000 people are treated in emergency rooms for injuries related to holiday decorating, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. This includes burns -- dried-out Christmas trees are involved in about 200 fires each year -- falls, shocks and cuts.

Getting into the holiday spirit, the commission offered these decorating safety tips:

Look for a label that says “fire resistant” before buying an artificial tree.

Before buying a fresh tree, make sure the needles are difficult to pull from the branches, don’t break easily and don’t fall off when the tree is tapped on the ground. The bottom of the trunk should be sticky with resin.

Place trees away from fireplaces, radiators and heavy traffic areas in homes.

For fresh trees, keep the stands filled with water.

Decorate trees with noncombustible or flame-resistant materials.

Don’t use artificial icicles made with lead, which is hazardous if ingested by young children.

Wear gloves when decorating with spun glass that resembles angel hair.

Follow directions when using artificial snow sprays, which can irritate lungs if used improperly.

Households with young children should avoid ornaments with small removable parts that could pose a choking hazard.

Keep candles away from decorations and furniture that can easily catch fire, as well as from children and pets. And keep burning candles in sight.

Use nonflammable candle holders.

Use newer lights with thick wiring that has been tested by a nationally recognized testing laboratory. Throw out lights with broken or cracked sockets, loose connections and frayed or bare wires.

Make sure that outdoor lights have been certified for outdoor use.

Don’t use extension cords unless they are rated for the intended lighting use.

Never use lights on a metallic tree. This could pose an electrocution hazard if branches become charged with electricity.

Place a screen around a fireplace. Do not use a fireplace to burn wrapping paper or plastic materials.

Keep fire salts, which produce colored flames, away from children and always use caution. They contain heavy metals that can cause gastrointestinal irritation and vomiting if eaten.