Discover the nuances of choosing garlands, Christmas trees, and holiday ornaments
Have you set up your Christmas tree, or are you still planning to? KASHTAN.NEWS has prepared some useful tips to help you decorate your home for the winter holidays while adhering to essential safety rules.
Christmas Tree: Real or Artificial?
Currently, there are over one hundred official Christmas tree markets operating in Kyiv, where you can purchase a tree grown on special plantations of forestry enterprises. The markets will be open until December 31, so if you appreciate natural trees and haven't bought your holiday tree yet – you still have time to do it by checking the list of locations here.
On the other hand, artificial trees are much more eco-friendly, do not shed needles, and can last for many years. However, this is only true if you choose a quality artificial tree. More expensive trees are made from monofilament thread or polypropylene, which closely mimics the needles of a live tree, while cheaper ones are made from polyvinyl chloride film. The "needles" made of PVC are softer, making these trees look quite unnatural and they typically don't last long. In any case, the shelf life of the tree should be indicated on the packaging – according to Ukrainian law, artificial Christmas trees are not subject to mandatory certification, but they must have documents certifying their quality and safety. Speaking of safety: quality artificial trees are treated with a special fire-retardant substance that prevents ignition. This should also be indicated in the quality certificate attached to the product. Therefore, the State Service of Ukraine for Food Safety and Consumer Protection advises purchasing only such trees as they are the safest option.
Where Not to Place Your Christmas Tree
If you have a small apartment, there is certainly limited space to maneuver, but there are still areas where it is better not to place the tree. Firstly, avoid the corridor or hall. This is primarily an evacuation route in case of emergencies, and it must remain clear. Secondly, almost every family occasionally has to sleep in the corridor during nighttime attacks, so placing a tree there is simply impractical.
0 Additionally, do not place the tree less than one meter away from radiators, fireplaces, and other heating appliances.
Garlands, Candles, and Other Festive Illumination
It is clear that decorating the tree – whether natural or artificial – with lighting that involves an open flame (including candles or lanterns based on candles) is not a very wise idea. You should also avoid lighting sparklers in the room where the tree is located – it only takes one spark for the Christmas tree to turn into a bonfire.
1 However, even electric lighting, which is considered safer, can lead to disaster. Specifically, a faulty garland can cause a short circuit and fire, which is why the State Emergency Service urges Ukrainians every year to avoid using homemade garlands and to purchase only certified products. The safest option, according to rescue services, is battery-operated LED garlands – they do not require high voltage, and the LEDs do not heat up. Additionally, battery-operated LED garlands can be used in any season as emergency lighting during blackouts.
Another point: do not use outdoor garlands indoors, and do not use indoor garlands outdoors. A "home" garland placed outdoors can crack from low temperatures, leading to short-circuited wires. Outdoor garlands in a warm room may emit toxic substances while in operation.
Always turn off the garlands if:
- you are going to sleep or leaving the house;
- there will be unsupervised children in the room with the tree;
- the wires in the garland are heating up, the bulbs are flickering, it is sparking, or the plug is becoming hot.
If the plug is not only heating up but also melting, do not touch it or the socket. Turn off the electricity at the circuit breaker and only then try to remove the plug from the socket.
What should be indicated on the garland packaging (State Service for Food Safety and Consumer Protection recommendations):
- product name;
- type of garland (Christmas tree, for home interiors, outdoor, etc.);
- bulb type;
- information about voltage, power, etc.;
- operating instructions and safety information;
- manufacturer's details;
- importer's details (if the product is foreign);
- production date;
- compliance mark with technical regulations.
Which Ornaments Are Best Avoided on the Christmas Tree
Due to potential fire hazards, avoid "snow" made of cotton, paper, celluloid, or wooden ornaments. If you have small children, it is better to choose lightweight, unbreakable ornaments, and if you have pets – forget about tinsel and garlands: animals, especially cats, love to chew and swallow such decorations, which is why every winter holiday, veterinary clinics are filled with four-legged patients suffering from intestinal blockages.
2 And of course, it is essential to ensure the tree is securely installed. Stabilize the tree so that it is difficult to tip over. If necessary, place it on a table or any high stand: while this won't prevent cats from reaching it, it will keep it out of reach of small children.
Konstantin MYKHAILENKO