Place holiday decorations well away from heat sources. If you use a tree, water it daily.

• In 2007, 53 percent of civilian fire deaths occurred in just four months: November — February.
• Fire deaths in greater Minnesota outpace those in the metropolitan area by a rate of slightly over two to one.
• A dry Christmas tree can be consumed by fire in an instant, while generating enough heat to ignite an entire room.
• Holidays mean more time socializing with friends and relatives. In 2007, alcohol or other drug use was present or identified as a factor in 15 percent of all fire deaths and in 50 percent of fire deaths attributed to careless smoking.

Safe Behavior

• Protect neighborhood homes this winter. Keep your nearest fire hydrant clear of snow.
• After holiday parties, check wastebaskets and furniture for smoldering cigarettes.
• Place holiday decorations well away from heat sources. If you use a tree, water it daily.
• Do not burn holiday wrappings in a fireplace; it may cause a chimney fire.
• Pay attention to cooking. If a pan is on fire, cover it with a lid. Water will spread the fire.
• Turn off and unplug lights and decorations before going to bed or leaving your house. Buy electrical decorations that have been approved by a national testing laboratory. Don’t overload outlets.

Candle Burning Safety Tips:

• Remember to extinguish candles when leaving the room or going to sleep. Never leave children or pets unattended in a room with a lit candle.
• Place candles on a secure surface in sturdy noncombustible holders that won’t tip over. Make sure holders are big enough to catch drippings.
• Keep candles away from children and pets. Candles should be out of children’s reach.
• Keep candles away from combustible items such as curtains, books, and paper. Remember the “three-foot rule” — anything combustible needs to be kept three feet from a heat source.
• Keep candles away from flammable liquids. Do not use a candle for light when fueling a kerosene heater or lantern. The flame may ignite the fumes.
• Avoid using candles during a power outage. A flashlight is a safer option. Don’t carry a lit candle.

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