Winter holidays are a time for families and friends to get
together. But that also means a greater risk for fire. Following a few simple
tips will ensure a happy and fire-safe holiday season.
HOLIDAY DECORATING
·
Be
careful with holiday decorations. Choose decorations that are flame-resistant
or flame-retardant.
·
Keep
lit candles away from decorations and other things that can burn.
·
Some
lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both.
·
Replace
any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections.
Connect no more than three strands of mini light sets and a maximum of 50 bulbs
for screw-in bulbs. Read manufacturer’s instructions for number of LED strands
to connect.
·
Use
clips, not nails, to hang lights so the cords do not get damaged.
·
Keep
decorations away from windows and doors.
HOLIDAY ENTERTAINING
·
Test
your smoke alarms and tell guests about your home fire escape plan.
·
Keep
children and pets away from lit candles.
·
Keep
matches and lighters up high in a locked cabinet.
·
Stay
in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop.
·
Ask
smokers to smoke outside. Remind smokers to keep their smoking materials with
them so young children do not touch them.
·
Provide
large, deep ashtrays for smokers. Wet cigarette butts with water before
discarding.
·
Before
Heading Out or to Bed
·
Blow
out lit candles when you leave the room or go to bed. Turn off all light
strings and decorations before leaving home or going to bed.
FACTS
·
Two
of every home decoration fires are started by candles.
Nearly half of holiday decoration
fires happen because decorations are placed too close to a heat source.