The winter holidays are a time for families and friends to gather together. But that also means a greater risk of fire. According to the National Fire Protection Association, more than 1/3 of home decoration fires are started by candles, and 42% of decoration fires happen because decorations are placed too close to a heat source. Ensure a happy and fire-safe holiday season for you and your family by following a few simple tips.

Holiday Decorating

• Be careful with holiday decorations. Choose decorations that are flame-resistant or flame-retardant.
• Keep lit candles away from decorations and other things that can burn.
• Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both.
• Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Read the manufacturer’s instructions for the number of light strands to connect.
• Use clips, not nails, to hang lights, so the cords do not get damaged.
• Keep decorations away from windows and doors.
• Blow out lit candles when you leave the room or go to bed.
• Turn off all light strings and decorations before leaving home or going to bed.

Holiday Entertaining

• Test your smoke alarms and tell guests about your home fire escape plan.
• Keep children and pets away from lit candles.
• Keep matches and lighters up high in a locked cabinet.
• Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop.

Source: National Fire Prevention Association.