The holidays are are great time to celebrate, decorate, cook and gather with family and friends. It can also also means a greater risk for fire. In fact, Christmas trees account for hundreds of fires annually. According to the NFPA, half of all home heating fires occurred in December, January and February in 2004-2008.
Following a few simple tips will ensure a happy and fire-safe holiday season.
Christmas Tree: Needles on fresh trees should be green and hard to pull back from the branches, and the needles should not break if the tree has been freshly cut. Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times.
Holiday Lights: Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking or wear before putting them up and do not overload electrical outlets.
Holiday Decorations: All decorations should be nonflammable or flame-retardant and placed away from heat vents.
Fireplace: Never put wrapping paper in the fireplace.
Candles: If you do use lit candles, make sure they are in stable holders and place them where they cannot be easily knocked down. Never leave the house with candles burning. Keep lit candles away from decorations and other things that can burn.
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Great tips on holiday safety! We also recommend purchasing LED lights, which use less energy and run cooler than traditional incandescent lights, and always unplugging electrical decorations before replacing bulbs or fuses. For more holiday decorating safety tips, visit our website at http://esfi.org/index.cfm/page/Holiday-Decorating-Safety/cdid/12192/pid/11406.