10 Tips for Holiday Fire Safety

Avoid accidents and keep your family safe during the holidays

Did you know this holiday fire safety statistic? Every year, holiday fires cause approximately $930 million in damages, and injure 2,600 people.

You can help to keep your family safe and avoid holiday fire damage if you follow these 10 holiday fire safety tips:

1. Install smoke detectors; change the batteries every year. Install carbon monoxide detectors and make sure those batteries are fresh too.
2. If you use your fireplace, make sure to use a fireplace screen.
3. Never burn wrapping paper, boxes or other trash in your fireplace.
4. Don't leave a fire unattended; put the fire out before you go to bed.
5. Candles are beautiful, but make sure they are in stable and secure holders and keep them away from combustible materials and small children. Never leave candles unattended.
6. If you have a real Christmas tree, put it in a stable stand, and keep it fresh by checking the water level daily. A dried tree is more susceptible to fire. Keep the tree away from heat sources that could dry it out. Most tress dry out in two weeks, so don't leave your tree up long past the holidays.
7. Check holiday lights for cracked or broken bulbs, frayed wires and loose plugs. Don't use lights that aren't safe.
8. Use lights that have been approved by testing labs like Underwriters Laboratory (UL) or Factory Mutual (FM).
9. Use lights only in their designated areas; never use "indoor only" lights outdoors.
10. If your smoke, fire, or carbon monoxide detectors go off, get everyone outside and call 911. Don't try to solve the problem yourself.

    Following these holiday fire safety tips will help to ensure that you enjoy a safer holiday season.