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.