Holiday Fire Safety Tips

Follow these guidelines to avoid damage from holiday lights:

  • Always use appropriate weatherproof lights outdoors
  • Blow out candles before leaving the room. Don't leave candles burning unattended
  • Check all lighting for frayed wires, broken plugs, sockets, etc
  • Give the gift of life - Give smoke detectors
  • Never hang lights on a metallic tree
  • Never overload outlets. Use no more than three strands of lights on a single extension cord. Never use candles on trees or place near other flammable decorations
  • Purchase lights and electric decorations which are listed by an approved testing agency such as Underwriters Laboratories(UL) or Factory Mutual(FM)
  • Unplug all lighting before retiring for the evening or leaving the house

Tree Safety

Safety information and guidelines will help prevent fires due to holiday trees:

  • Artificial trees should have a fire retardant label
  • Dispose of the tree properly; preferably soon after the holiday before the needles dry out
  • Keep trees away from heat
  • Never leave a lighted tree unattended
  • Never use a cut tree in a place of public assembly (apartment or hotel lobbies, restaurants, etc.)
  • Never use candles as decorations
  • Use a non-tip tree stand
  • Use fire retardant decorations only
  • Water a cut tree at least daily