Fire Safety Tips from @USfire #OKfire

Decorate Safely for the Holidays

Keep your holidays happy with safe decorations. According to the U.S. Fire Administration(USFA), December is the peak time of year for home candle fires.

Be fire smart as you deck the halls for a festive holiday season with these USFA tips:

• Water Christmas trees every day. A dry tree is dangerous because it can catch fire easily.
• Make sure Christmas trees are at least three feet away from heat sources like fireplaces, radiators, space heaters, candles or heat vents. Also, make sure the tree does not block exits.
• Inspect holiday lights each year before you put them up. Throw away strands with frayed or pinched wires. Read the manufacturer’s instructions for the number of light strands to connect.
• Turn off all holiday lights before going to bed or leaving your home.
• Consider using battery-operated flameless candles, which can look, smell and feel like real candles.
• If you do use lit candles, make sure they are in stable holders and place them where you can not knock them down. 
• Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that burns. Never leave a burning candle alone in an empty room.

Find more holiday, Christmas tree, and fire safety information on the USFA Holiday Safety page.