Holiday Decorations Can Cause Home Fires ─ Follow These Safety Steps

Remember, a candle is an open flame ─ it can easily ignite anything that can burn.

As you prepare your home for the holiday season, remember that December is the peak month for home fires caused by candles and festive decorations.

To help prevent holiday decoration-related home fires, follow these safety tips from the American Red Cross:

• Choose decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant.
• Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both. Check to make sure you have the right lights for where you are decorating.
• Replace any light strings with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the number of light strands you can safely connect.
• Use clips, not nails, to hang lights so the cords do not get damaged.

TREE SAFETY If you plan to decorate with a real tree, pick one with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched. Before placing the tree in the stand, cut 2” from the base of the trunk.

• Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights, and make sure the tree is not blocking an exit.
• Add water to the tree every day.
• Never use lit candles to decorate the tree and always turn off the tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.
• If buying an artificial tree, look for a fire-resistant label. When putting it up, keep it away from fireplaces, radiators and other sources of heat. Never use electric lights on metallic trees.

CANDLES AND HOME FIRES Candles are cozy, but they can also cause home fires. Remember, a candle is an open flame ─ it can easily ignite anything that can burn. Think about using flameless candles ─ they can look and smell like real candles.

• Blow out all candles when you leave the room or go to bed.
• Avoid using candles in bedrooms or other areas where people may fall asleep.
• Keep candles at least 1 foot away from anything that can burn.
• Use candle holders that are sturdy and won’t tip over easily. Put candle holders on a sturdy, uncluttered surface.
• Light candles carefully.
• 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.

SMOKE ALARMS Place smoke alarms on each level of your home, including inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas. In addition to testing your smoke alarms once a month, change the batteries at least once a year, if your model requires it. Check the manufacturer’s date of your smoke alarms. If they’re 10 years or older, they need to be replaced because the sensor becomes less sensitive over time. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.