UL Standards & Engagement (ULSE) has released a new report that features important steps to reduce risks tied to four holiday behaviors: gifting, decorating, cooking, and traveling.

The report highlights key tips:

• Shop smart: While 58% of gift buyers cite price as their top concern this holiday season, many may unwittingly compromise safety in pursuit of bargains. According to ULSE, nearly 83 million Americans have purchased counterfeit products.
• Cook safer: Most (88%) holiday cooks have some type of smoke alarm system near their kitchens, but many remain at risk: 62% do not follow best practices of testing alarms monthly. Additionally, 53% do not have a carbon monoxide detector in the kitchen area. 
• Be aware of risks while traveling: 41% of U.S. adults assume they are protected against carbon monoxide in upscale hotels, but codes and regulations vary by state, and fewer than half of states have relevant rules in place. 
• Beware of dangers while decorating: More than half (52%) of holiday decorators admit to daisy-chaining—plugging multiple power strips or extension cords together—a practice that poses a serious fire risk.

“Consumers can take simple steps to protect themselves against holiday harms—like inspecting lights before hanging them, looking into a too-good-to-be-true deal online, and packing a portable carbon monoxide detector for their holiday travels,” said Jeff Marootian, president and CEO, ULSE.

For holiday safety insights and additional tips, access ULSE’s full Holiday Safety Guide.