'Tis the Holiday Season for Fire Safety

Winter holidays are a time for families and friends to get together. But that also means a greater risk for fire. Your Christmas Tree is likely the centerpiece of your holiday decorations and its a fun family tradition every year. However, surprisingly that Christmas tree can be unsafe.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (N.F.P.A.) and the U.S. Fire Administration U.S.F.A.) an estimated 250 home fires involving Christmas trees and another 160 home fires involving holiday lights and other decorative lighting occur each year. Together , these fires annually result in 22 deaths and $30.2 million in property damage.

To make sure your Christmas and the rest of the holiday season merry and bright, but above all safe. Follow these tips for Christmas tree decorating and holiday lights.

• If you have a natural Christmas tree, make it's a container that holds water and water it so it won't dry out.
• Do not place your Christmas near wall space heaters, coal or wood burning stoves and fireplaces. And make sure it doesn't block any door ways or exits.
• Keep lit candles away from decorations and other things that can burn.
• Always check the decorative lights wiring before putting it on the tree to insure that there isn't any lose or frayed wires. Also check each light socket for any damage and that the light bulb fits in properly.
• Use lights that have the label of an independent testing laboratory. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both.
• Try not to keep your Christmas tree lights and indoor/outdoor decorative lights on longer than necessary, especially unsupervised. And make sure you turn them off before you go to bed.
• Use a surge protector for all your lighting and don't overload the surge protector and any wall outlets you consider using. Connect no more than three strands of mini light sets and a maximum of 50 bulbs for screw-in bulbs. Read manufacturer’s instructions for number of LED strands to connect.
• Use clips, not nails, to hang lights so the cords do not get damaged.
• Be careful with holiday decorations. Choose decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant.

My family and I want to wish you and your family a safe and happy holiday season.

Our Best Regards,

The Chabre Family