Prevent fires in your home this holiday season

Prevent fires in your home this holiday season

The holiday season is here which means it’s time to begin filling homes with decorations and most of all…Christmas trees! Many families take joy in placing luminous decorations on holiday trees forgetting the safety measures that prevent fires. To keep your home safe from a house fire that will put a damper on your holiday cheer, follow these tips:

Picking the tree

  • Choose a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched.

Placing the tree

  • Before placing the tree in the stand, cut 2” from the base of the trunk.
  • Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights.
  • Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit.
  • Add water to the tree stand. Be sure to add water daily.

Lighting the tree

  • Use lights that have the label of a recognized testing laboratory. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use.
  • Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Read manufacturer’s instructions for number of light strands to connect.
  • Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.
  • Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.

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