9 Signs You’re a Holiday Decorating Disaster…

Keep pets and children at least three feet away from burning candles and electrical cords to prevent burns and electrical fires.
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A dry tree in your home is a fire danger. Think of it as a huge pile of kindling in your home. Choose a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched.
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Check the manufacturer’s instructions to find out how many lights can be connected to prevent electric shock and fire.
Keep anything that can burn away from a heat source, despite how awesome it looks. Flameless candles are also a great alternative to real ones when decorating.
An overloaded electrical outlet is a major fire hazard. Plug strings of lights directly into the wall and keep the number to a minimum.
Replace any string of lights that has worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. These can easily start a fire.
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Always keep water in the tree stand. Check daily and add water as needed. Dried-out trees are a major fire hazard.
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Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both. And most certainly, not for your head.
Dried-out trees are a fire danger and should not be left in the home or garage, or placed outside against the home. Check with your local community to find a recycling program.
Let’s face it, the holidays are never perfect, no matter how they’re portrayed in magazines and on television. But by following a few simple practices and precautions, you can create a perfectly fire-safe holiday for you and your loved ones!
And remember, have working smoke alarms in your home and create a home escape plan. Practice it with your family so everyone knows what to do if a fire does occur.
Happy Holidays from NFPA!
Source:: NFPA – Safety Information
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