Following a few, simple fire safety tips can keep electric lights, candles and the ever popular Christmas tree from creating a tragedy, states U.S. Fire Administration officials. USFA is an entity of the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
- 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 flameless candles, which can look, smell and feel like real candles.
- Ensure Christmas trees and other holiday decorations don’t block an exit way.