FACTS
–One-quarter of home decoration fires happen in December.
–More than half of the December home decoration fires are started by candles.
–Half of the holiday decoration fires happen because decorations are placed too close to a heat source.
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 quests 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 buts 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.
All information is referenced from NFPA Public Education Division. To view this site go to www.nfpa.org/education or click above on Department, then Fire Department, then Useful Links, and then National Fire Protection Agency.
