Decorate safely this holiday season

The holidays are approaching, and soon, individuals will begin to decorate their homes. Before putting up your festive decor this year, consider these tips to ensure your home remains fire-safe. If you live in on-campus housing, be sure to review the fire safety policies for what is permitted.

Trees

• Many artificial trees are fire-resistant. Look for a statement specifying this.
• If you use a live tree, a fresh tree will stay green longer and be less of a fire hazard than a dry tree. To check for freshness, remember:
  • A fresh tree is green.
  • Fresh needles are hard to pull from branches.
  • When bent between your fingers, fresh needles do not break.
  • The trunk butt of a fresh tree is sticky with resin.
• Place tree at least three feet away from fireplaces, radiators and other heat sources. Heated rooms dry trees out rapidly, creating fire hazards.
• Cut off about two inches of the trunk to expose fresh wood for better water absorption.
• Keep the stand filled with water while the tree is indoors.

Lights

• Indoors or outside, use only lights that have been tested for safety. Identify these by the label from an independent testing laboratory.
• Check each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. Discard damaged sets or repair them before use.
• Use clips, not nails or staples, to hang lights so the cords do not get damaged.
• Do not overload extension cords or wall outlets. Read the manufacturer's instructions for the number of light strands to connect.
• Turn off all lights on trees and other decorations when you go to bed or leave the house. Lights could short and start a fire.

Candles

• Consider using flameless candles in your home. They look and smell like real candles.
• If you do choose to burn candles, consider the following:
  • Keep candles at least one foot away from anything that can burn.
  • Blow our all candles when you leave the room or go to bed.
  • Avoid the use of candles in the bedroom and other areas where people may fall asleep.
  • Don't burn a candle all the way down. Put it out before it gets too close to the holder or container.
• Keep children and pets away from lit candles. Keep matches and lighters up high in a locked cabinet.

For more tips and information, visit the Holiday Fire Safety section of the U.S. Fire Administration website.