Winter holidays are a time for families and friends to get together. But that also means a greater risk for fire. Following a few simple tips will ensure a happy and fire-safe holiday season.  

Safety 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. 
• Use lights that have the label of an independent testing laboratory. 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. Connect no more than three strands of mini light sets and a maximum of 50 bulbs for screw-in bulbs. 
• Use clips, not nails, to hang lights so the cords do not get damaged. 
• Keep decorations away from windows and doors. 

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. 
• Ask smokers to smoke outside. Remind smokers to keep their smoking materials with them so young children do not touch them. 
• Provide large, deep ashtrays for smokers. Wet cigarette butts with water before discarding.