The Holidays are Here!

1. Never burn candles near fresh evergreens or put them on a tree.

2. Always use non-flammable candle holders.

3. Keep decorations and wrapping paper away from candles.

4. Place candles in areas where they can’t be knocked over.

5. Avoid decorations that are sharp or breakable, particularly if there are small children in the house.

6. Keep decorations with small removable parts out of the reach of children as pieces can be swallowed or inhaled.

7. Don’t burn papers in the fireplace. Wrappings can ignite suddenly and burn intensely.

8. Burning evergreens in the fireplace can also be hazardous; dry boughs burn like tinder. Flames can flare out of control and send sparks flying into a room or up the chimney to ignite creosote deposits.

9. Many artificial trees are fire resistant. If you buy one, look be sure to look for a label or tag specifying this.

10. A fresh tree will stay green longer and be less hazardous than a dry tree. Here’s how to check for the freshness of your tree:

• A fresh tree is green.
• Fresh needles are hard to pull from branches.
• Fresh needles don’t snap in half when you bend them.
• The trunk of a fresh tree is sticky with resin.
• A shower of needles doesn’t fall from the tree when you shake it.

11. Cut about two inches off the trunk to expose fresh wood for better water absorption. Trim away branches if necessary, then place the tree in a sturdy stand.

12. Place your tree away from heat sources like fireplaces and registers.

13. Place the tree out of the way of traffic and don’t block doorways.

14. Keep the tree well watered the entire time it’s inside your home.

15. Use only indoor and outdoor lights that have been tested for safety. These lights should have a label from an independent testing laboratory.

16. Check each set of lights for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. Discard damaged sets or repair them before using.

17. Fasten outdoor lights securely to trees, the house, or whatever you’re decorating so they stay secure in the wind.

18. Use no more than three standard-size sets of lights per single extension cord.

19.Turn off all lights, on trees and other decorations, when you go to bed or leave the house. Lights could short and start a fire.

There’s no substitute for common sense. So whether you’re selecting a tree and putting up a tree, decorating inside or out, burning candles, or using your fireplace, err on the side of caution. Keep yourself, your family, and your home safe this holiday season!