Holiday safety!

Holiday Lights
Maintain Your Holiday Lights
Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the
insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking or wear before
putting them up. Use only lighting listed by an approved testing laboratory.

Do Not Overload Electrical Outlets
Do not link more than three light strands, unless the directions indicate it is safe. Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the
outlet. Make sure to periodically check the wires – they should not be warm to the touch.

Do not leave holiday lights on unattended!

Holiday Decorations
Use Only Nonflammable Decorations 
All decorations should be nonflammable or flame-retardant and placed away  
from heat vents. If you are using a metallic or artificial tree, make sure it is  
flame retardant.

Don't Block Exits
Ensure that trees and other holiday
decorations do not block an exit way.  In
the event of a fire, time is of the essence.  A blocked entry/exit way puts you and your family at risk.

Never Put Wrapping Paper in the Fireplace
Wrapping paper in the fireplace can result in a very large fire, throwing off 
dangerous sparks and embers that may result in a chimney fire.

Candle Care
Avoid Using Lit Candles Consider using
battery-operated flameless candles, which can look, smell and feel like  real candles.

If You Do Use Lit Candles
Make sure candles are in stable
holders and place them where they cannot be easily knocked down. Keep
candles at least 12 inches from anything that can burn. Never leave a room
or go to bed with candles burning.

Never Put Lit Candles on a Tree
Do not go near a Christmas tree with an open flame – candles, lighters or matches.