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 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.