Winter Holiday Fire Safety

Nearly half of holiday decoration fires happen because decorations are placed too close to a heat source. It’s fun to decorate for the winter holidays, but holiday decorations can increase your risk for a home fire. As you deck the halls this season, be fire smart:

• Inspect holiday lights each year before you put them up.  Read manufacturer’s instructions for the number of light strands to connect.
• Throw away light strands with frayed or pinched wires.
• Make sure your tree is at least 3 feet away from heat sources like fireplaces, radiators, space heaters, candles or heat vents. Also, make sure your tree does not block exits.
• Water your Christmas tree every day. A dry tree is dangerous because it can catch on fire easily.
• Get rid of your tree after Christmas or when it is dry.
• Consider using battery-operated flameless candles, which can look, smell and feel like real candles.
• If you do use lit candles, make sure they are in stable holders and place them where they cannot be knocked down easily.
• Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that burns. Make sure they are in stable holders and place them where they cannot be knocked down easily.

Happy Holidays and stay safe!