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:
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.
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.
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.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
Support all the urgent humanitarian needs of the American Red Cross.
Find a drive and schedule a blood donation appointment today.
Take a class and be ready to respond if an emergency strikes.