Holiday Fire Safety

It’s the time of the year when we are hosting holiday parties and putting up our holiday decorations. With all the holiday cheer, make sure to take some safety precautions.

Candle Safety Tips

Candles are responsible for many home fires and fire deaths. Two out of every five home decoration fires are started by candles. According to the National Fire Protection Agency, candle fires cause an annual average of 115 civilian deaths, 903 civilian fire injuries, and $418 million in direct property damage.

• Blow out all candles when you leave the room or go to bed.
• Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn.
• Think about using flameless candles in your home.
• Use candle holders that are sturdy.
• Don’t burn a candle all the way down ? put it out before it gets too close to the holder or container.
• Never use a candle if oxygen is used in the home.
• Always place candle holder on an uncluttered surface.
• Have flashlights and battery-powered lighting ready to use during a power outage. Never use candles.

Light Safety Tips

According to the National Fire Protection Agency, line-voltage or decorative lights start an average of 170 home structures each year. The fires cause a 7 deaths, 17 injuries and 7.9 million in property damage yearly.

• Look for UL on the label (Underwriters Laboratories).
• Follow manufacturer guidelines (indoor vs. outdoor).
• Use caution using a ladder: place ladder on solid, level, non-slippery ground.
• Disregard any damaged lights: broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, loose connections, etc.
• Per single extension cord: use no more than three standard size light sets.
• Avoid hanging lights near loose paper, flammable material, etc.
• Outdoor lights, inflatables, and other decorations should be plugged into outlets protected by ground fault interrupters.
• Use extension cords approved for outdoor use.
• Never run a light cord under a rug.
• Lights should not be allowed to touch carpet, drapes or furniture.
• Turn all lights off when you leave the house or when you go to bed.
• Take them down after the holidays ? lights are seasonal and for temporary use.

Christmas Tree Tips

According to the National Fire Protection Agency, Christmas Trees start an average 250 home structure fires a year. These fires cause an average of 14 deaths, 26 injures and 13.8 million in property damage.

• Make sure live tree has fresh, green needles.
• Needles should be hard to pull off the branches.
• Cut an additional 2 inches off the trunk.
• Keep it watered at all times.
• Artificial tress: look for fire resistant label
• Place tree three feet from fireplaces, radiators, space heaters, etc.
• Never use candles to decorate a tree.