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 tha can burn.
--Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but no 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 dicarding.
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.