The holiday season is here, and the Village Officials want everyone to stay safe from home fires as they decorate their homes for the upcoming festivities. Decorations like trees, lights, and candles increase the risk of home fires during the holidays—with Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day being the top three days for home candle fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association.
1. Check all holiday light cords to ensure they aren’t frayed or broken. Don’t string too many strands of lights together—no more than three per extension cord.
2. If you are buying an artificial tree, look for the fire-resistant label. Keep it away from fireplaces, radiators, and other heat sources when putting it up.
3. If getting a live tree, make sure it’s fresh and water it to keep it fresh. Bend the needles up and down to make sure no needles fall off.
4. If using older decorations, check their labels. Some older tinsel is lead-based. If using angel hair, wear gloves to avoid irritation. Avoid breathing in artificial snow.
5. When decorating outside, make sure decorations are for outdoor use and fasten lights securely to your home or trees. If using hooks or nails outside, ensure they are insulated to avoid an electrocution or fire hazard.
6. If using a ladder, be extra careful. Have good, stable placement, and wear shoes that allow for good traction.
7. Don’t use electric lights on metallic trees.
8. Don’t forget to turn off all holiday lights when going to bed or leaving the house.
9. Keep children, pets, and decorations away from candles.
10. If hanging stockings on the fireplace mantel, don’t light the fireplace. Something
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