Celebrate Safely This Holiday Season

12/13/2016 (Permalink)

• Place Christmas trees, candles and other holiday decorations at least three feet away from heat sources like fireplaces, portable heaters, radiators, heat vents and candles.
• Make sure that light strings and other holiday decorations are in good condition.  Do not use anything with frayed electrical cords and always follow the manufacturer's instructions.
• Always unplug tree and holiday lights before leaving the property or going to bed.
• Never use lit candles to decorate a tree.  Always extinguish candles before leaving the room or going to bed.
• Use only sturdy tree stands designed not to tip over.  Keep curious pets and children away from Christmas trees.
• Keep anything that can catch on fire--pot holders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, and towels or curtains-away from your stovetop. 
• After a party, designate one person to walk around your property to ensure all candles and smoking materials are properly extinguished after guests leave.
• One of every three home Christmas tree fires is caused by electrical problems.
• Although Christmas tree fires are not common, when they do occur, they are more likely to be serious.  On average, one of every 31 reported home Christmas tree fires results in a death compared to an average of one death per 144 total reported home fires.
• A heat source too close to the tree causes one in every 4 Christmas tree fires.
• Two out of five home decoration fires are started by candles with one-third of candle fires starting in the bedroom.