Deck the Halls with Fire Safety

Here are some tips to help prevent fire while enjoying the winter holiday season.

Holiday Lights and Decorations

Keep candles away from decorations and combustible materials
Make sure all lights and electrical decorations you buy are labeled with the name of an independent testing lab
Check the manufacturer’s instructions for use and storage, and follow them carefully
Inspect light strands for damage and fix or replace faulty parts before plugging the lights in
Do not overload extension cords, and avoid connecting more than 3 strands of lights together
Never mount lights with staples or nails, because they could damage the wire insulation … Use clips to mount the lights instead
Turn off all light strands and electrical decorations before you go to sleep or leave your home
Bring outdoor lights inside after the holiday season to reduce fire hazards and extend the life of the lights

Purchase only live or cut trees that have fresh, green needles, and do not purchase a tree that is dry or is dropping needles
Be sure any artificial trees you buy are labeled “flame-retardant”

Use a sturdy tree stand that is designed not to tip over
Make sure the tree does not block an exit, and try to place it near an outlet so you do not need to run light cords across the room
Place the tree at least three feet away from all heat sources, such as fireplaces, wood stoves and radiators

Never use lit candles to decorate a tree, and place all candles far away from branches
Buy the right kind of lights: some lights are designed for outdoor or indoor use but not both, so use the appropriate type of lights and follow the manufacturer’s instructions
Make sure that larger bulbs have some type of reflector around them, so they are not just bare bulbs
Do not use any light strands that have loose bulb connections or worn, frayed, or broken cords
Never use electric lights on a metal tree
Always unplug Christmas tree lights before going to sleep or leaving your home

Water the tree daily to keep it as moist as possible
Dispose of the tree properly once it starts dropping needles—dried-out trees are highly flammable, so you should not leave them in the house or garage, or lean them against the side of your home