Holiday Decorating - Safety & Tips

Keep live trees away from heat sources. Place your tree away from fireplaces & heaters. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby. Live trees are highly flammable, due to needles & sap.

Hydrate your tree. A dried-out tree can catch fire than one that has been properly watered. Check the water level every other day to ensure proper hydration.

Fake it! If you buy an artificial tree, make sure it's labeled "fire resistant". Fire-resistant trees are less susceptible to catching fire.

Don't burn wrapping paper in the fireplace. Paper can catch fire very quickly and can cause flash fires. Instead, recycle (or reuse!) your wrapping paper.

Work as a team. When stringing lights & decorations above your normal reach, make sure to use a proper ladder with someone supporting the base.

Double-check your lights for safety. Replace any lights with frayed wires, broken sockets, and loose connections.

Power down before you turn in. Turn off all the lights before you go to bed or leaving the house to avoid a short that could start an electrical fire.

Prevent electrical cord damage. Don't mount lights in a way that might damage the cords, and avoid using nails or tacks. Use hooks or insulated staples instead.

Secure candles. Keep candles on a sturdy base to prevent tipping. Never leave a lit candle unattended.

Use unbreakable ornaments. If you have fragile ornaments, place them out of reach from kids & pets.

Skip the fake food. Avoid decorations that look like candy or food if you have young children in the house.

Beware of poisonous plants. While festive, poinsettias are poisonous when eaten, so keep them out of reach of kids & pets.

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