It is that time of year where extra lights and candles are a must to make your house festive. However, holiday decorations can increase your risk of a house fire. Christmas is the number one day for candle fires, and a dry tree makes for an escalated situation. There is nothing wrong with decking the halls as long as you follow these safety precautions to avoid toasting your holiday plans.
- If you have a live tree, make sure that you keep the case full of water. A dry tree burns hot and fast. If too close to a heat source, such as a radiator, fireplace, or candle, it could catch more easily.
- Keep candles a foot away from anything that could catch fire. Unattended candles make up half of the decoration fires in December.
- Too many lights plugged into each other or an outlet can cause a short. Also inspect the strands for frays or pinched wires. Using clips instead of nails can help with keeping your wires in good shape.
- Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving your home.
- After Christmas, make sure you dispose of your dry tree. Find a place in the community that has a recycling program.
From everyone here at LION, we want to wish you and your families a safe and happy holiday season!