Winter holidays are a time for families and friends to get together, but some of the traditions, including candles and decorations, can create a greater fire risk. Follow a few simple tips to have a happy and fire-safe holiday season.

Holiday Decorating Tips:

1. Choose decorations that are flame-resistant or flame-retardant.
2. Keep lit candles away from decorations and other things that can burn.
3. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both.
4. 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.
5. Use clips, not nails, to hang lights, so the cords are not damaged.
6. Keep decorations away from windows and doors.
7. Blow out lit candles when you leave the room or go to bed.
8. Turn off all light strings and decorations before leaving home or going to bed.

Holiday Entertaining Tips:

1. Test your smoke alarms and tell guests about your home fire escape plan.
2. Keep children and pets away from lit candles.
3. Keep matches and lighters up high in a locked cabinet.
4. Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop.
5. Ask smokers to smoke outside. Remind smokers to keep their smoking materials with them so young children do not touch them.
6. Provide large, deep ashtrays for smokers. Wet cigarette butts with water before discarding them.