Holiday & Christmas Tree Fire Safety

Decorating homes and businesses is a long-standing tradition during the holiday season. Unfortunately, these same decorations may increase your chances of a fire. 

Following a few simple fire safety tips can keep electric lights, candles and the ever popular Christmas tree from creating a tragedy. 

• Don’t put your live Christmas tree up too early or leave it up for longer than two weeks. 
• Place trees away from heat sources, including fireplaces or heat vents. The heat will dry out the tree, causing it to be more easily ignited by heat, flame or sparks. 
• Keep the live tree stand filled with water at all times. 
• Use only nonflammable decorations. 
• Don’t link more than three light strands, unless the directions indicate it’s safe. Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet. 
• Avoid using lit candles; consider using battery-operated flame less candles, which can look, smell and feel like real candles 
• Ensure that Christmas trees and other holiday decorations don’t block an exit way. 

For more tips on how to prevent a holiday fire and what to do in case a fire starts in your home, visit the U.S.. Fire Administration’s website:  www.usfa.fema.gov