The holiday season is such a whirlwind of parties, shopping, gift wrapping and decorating that it is easy to overlook fire safety. Fire safety is important! According to the National Fire Protection Association, there is an average of 230 home fires that start with Christmas trees every year that could have been prevented. These 230 fires account for four deaths and 21 major injuries. And if that doesn’t shock you, these 230 home fires account for $17.3 million in damages per year! That is a lot of costly repair money!  Real trees aren’t the only hazards at Christmastime.

Tips For Fire Safety In Your Home

Here are some helpful tips you can easily implement to make sure that you follow fire safety codes for Christmas, keeping your family and home secure.

• Make sure your live tree trunk seems fresh and not dry (needles should not break or fall off)
• Keep your live tree regularly watered every day
• Christmas trees should not be near a heat source such as fireplaces or heating vents
• Only purchase artificial trees with the “Fire Resistant” label
• Check light strands for broken sockets or frayed wires and do not use any that might be damaged
• Do not overuse extension cords (only three strands of lights per extension cord)
• Turn off and unplug the Christmas tree when you are not at home or at bedtime
• Electric lights should never be used on metallic trees
• Never use real candles on the tree branches

Fire Safety And Holiday Candles

If your holiday decorating involves the use of candles, fire safety is really important to make sure that these open flames don’t get out of control.

• If at all possible, use battery operated candles, especially in homes with young children
• If you light holiday candles for a menorah or Advent wreath, make sure the menorah or wreath is in the middle of the table or counter, away from any combustible material such as table linens, drapery or cabinets
• Make sure your candles are on a fire resistant surface, such as ceramic or aluminum foil
• Your candle wicks should be no longer than 1/4 inch
• Do not allow candles to burn into the candle holder; extinguish before the last ½ inch of wax is left
• Do not leave candles unattended and keep open flames away from children and pets

At OrnamentShop.com we want to help make your home beautiful and safe.

We wish you and yours a happy, healthy and safe holiday season! How do you keep your home safe during the holidays? Tell us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/ornamentshop), Tweet us @MyOrnamentShop or simply comment on this blog.