10 Tips for Holiday Fire Safety

1. Choose Fire-Resistant Holiday Decorations

Choose decorations that are flame-resistant, non-combustible, or made from flame retardant material.

2. Watch Where You Place Candles

Keep candles away from decorations and other combustible materials. Never use candles to decorate your Christmas tree.

3. Buy Only Tested Lights

When purchasing your holiday lights and electrical decorations, buy those that have a label that they were tested by an independent research lab. Take a close look at the instructions that come with the decorations.

4. Inspect Older Lights

Inspect new and used light strands and replace damaged items before plugging them in, and don't overload extension cords.

5. Unplug Lights When Changing Bulbs

If you have to replace a bulb, unplug the strand of lights before you change the bulb. If you blow a fuse trying to hook up your lights, unplug them before checking the fuse box.

6. Check the Number of Strands You Need