Media contact: Cass Bonfiglio
American Red Cross of Northern Nevada
Cass.Bonfiglio@redcross.org | 704-577-1808

RENO, Nev. (Dec. 5, 2022) — It’s time to deck your halls and the American Red Cross of Northern Nevada has steps to help you decorate safely.

“We know that our Northern Nevada firefighters are ready to respond when called, and so is the Red Cross,” said Mary Powell, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Northern Nevada Chapter. “But informing residents how to better manage real Christmas trees and other holiday decorations, we hope no one will need to make that call.”

Candles are very popular, especially around the holidays. But candles also increase the risk of fire. Their popularity leads to nearly three times as many candle fires on Christmas Day, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

If you are burning candles, place them on a sturdy surface where they can’t be easily knocked over. Also, place them far away from flammable items such as decorations and greenery. Monitor candles closely and remember to blow them out when you leave the room or go to sleep.

The Red Cross offers these additional steps you can take to decorate your home safely:

• Check all holiday light cords to ensure they aren’t frayed or broken. Don’t string too many strands of lights together — no more than three per extension cord.
• Turn off all holiday lights and decorations when going to bed or leaving the house.
  
•  Ensure outside decorations are for outdoor use and fasten lights securely to your home or trees. If using hooks or nails outside, make sure they are insulated to avoid an electrocution or fire hazard.
  
• If buying an artificial tree, look for the 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.
  
• If getting a live tree, make sure it’s fresh and keep it watered. To test if the tree is fresh, bend the needles up and down to make sure no needles fall off.
  
• Don’t light the fireplace if hanging stockings or other decorations on the mantel.
  
•  Check the labels of older decorations. Some older tinsel is lead-based. If using angel hair, wear gloves to avoid irritation. Avoid breathing in artificial snow.
  
•  If using a ladder, be extra careful. Make sure to have good, stable placement and wear shoes that allow for good traction.
  

Home Fire Campaign saves lives
Installing smoke alarms and providing fire prevention information is a critical part of the national Red Cross Home Fire Campaign. Since launching in October 2014, the effort has saved some 1,414 lives nationwide by helping families create escape plans, installing free smoke alarms, and providing education about fire safety. Visit redcross.org/homefires for more information.

There’s help available
If you can’t afford to buy smoke alarms or are physically unable to install one, the Red Cross of Northern Nevada may be able to help. Any resident interested in fire prevention assistance can contact the Red Cross Northern Nevada Chapter at 775-954-1185 to schedule an appointment for a free smoke alarm installation. During the 20-minute home visit, Red Cross volunteers will also share information on home fires, how to prevent them, what to do if a fire starts, and how to create an escape plan.

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 visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.