The following are safety tips that can help to prevent brain injury as well as other injuries. While the BIANJ provides a new tip every month, we encourage you to use them all year round.

Holiday Decorating Tips

- Place Christmas trees away from fireplaces, radiators, and other heat sources. Make sure your tree is fresh (green) because it will be less of a fire hazard. Heated rooms can dry trees out rapidly and cause hazards.

- Use only lights that have been tested for safety. Identify these by the label from an independent testing laboratory.

- Check each set of lights (new or old) for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or base wires, or loose connections. Discard damaged sets or repair them before using.

- Use no more than three standard-size sets of lights per single extension cord.

- Never use candles on a tree or near evergreeens.

- Keep candles away from decorations and wrapping paper. Place them where they cannot be knocked down or blown over.

- Plan for safety. Remember, there is no substitute for common sense. Look for and eliminate potential danger spots near candles, fireplaces, trees, and/or electical connections.