08
December
2015
|
18:00 PM
America/New_York

Holiday Fire Dangers

150 home fires are caused by holiday lights each year; 210 home fires start from Christmas trees. While these fires are rare, they are much more likely to cause injuries and death.

  • Never place a Christmas tree near any heating source, such as a fireplace.
  • Place the tree away from high traffic areas, doorways and exits.
  • Add water to the tree daily to prevent drying.
  • Read labels on light strands to be sure they are tested and approved for your intended use.
  • Always turn off holiday lights before leaving home or going to bed.
  • Pay attention to the number of items you plug into a single outlet to avoid electrical fires.
  • After Christmas, recycle the tree. Dried-out trees are a fire danger.

Did You Know: In the U.S., a fire department responds to a fire every 24 seconds.