During the holiday season, don’t be too busy to be safe! Reduce the risk of home fires by following these important safety tips:
Holiday Trees
• Do not use candles on or near the tree.
• Place the tree away from heat sources such as fireplaces and heaters.
• If you have a live tree, keep it in a sturdy base filled with water. Check the water level every day.
• Safely dispose of your tree before it becomes dangerously dry. Never burn the tree or tree parts in your fireplace.
Holiday Lights
• Use “UL” approved lights.
• Examine all indoor and outdoor lights for frayed cords and replace if necessary.
• Lights should not touch combustible materials.
• “Indoor” lights should never be used outdoors.
• Avoid using extension cords, but if you do, follow instructions carefully.
• Do not overload electrical circuits such as wall outlets and extension cords. Use a circuit strip.
Holiday Gift Wrap
• Keep papers, bows and trims away from heat sources such as fireplaces, space heaters, radiators, etc.
• Never burn gift wrappings in your fireplace.
Fireplaces and Wood Stoves
• Have chimney or wood stove inspected and cleaned by a certified chimney specialist.
• Leave glass doors open while burning a fire to prevent creosote buildup.
• Install a stovepipe thermometer to help monitor flue temperature.
