Decoration Safety Can Save Lives

CENTRAL OHIO—Holiday decorations are on sale, but experts say make sure you’re careful when putting them up

Black Friday is drawing bargain-shoppers by the thousands in Central Ohio. 

Garden Ridge had a steady stream of traffic today, with shoppers looking for all sorts of decorations.

Melissa Brown works at the Garden Ridge in Hilliard and says themed ornaments are 50% off through Tuesday.  She says two pack porch trees that normally sell for $99 are now just $39 through Tuesday. Rugs are 30 percent off. 

Garden Ridge sells LED lights, which are popular because they don’t emit heat and last long. 

Brown says if you use a ladder to put up lights, make sure three out of four limbs are on the ladder. She calls it the three limb rule: “Two feet and one arm on the ladder.“ 

Jim Sturgeon, of nearby Lowe’s, says you always have to be careful when dealing with electricity. 

“Make sure you don’t overload the circuits.“

He says it’s wise to invest in a smoke detector if you don’t already have one. 

The Consumer Product Safety Commission says to never put electric lights on metal trees, turn off all lights when you go to bed or leave, and make sure wires aren’t frayed. 

Check for broken sockets, as well.

And never leave burning candles unattended. 

Beth Schaeffer bought artificial Poinsettia trees just in case her new puppy tried to eat them. 

“The real ones can make a dog sick, and our dog likes plants.“