The top three days of the year for home candle fires are Christmas, New Year’s Day, and New Year's Eve. During the Holiday season we all become very busy and sometime do not think about some of the things that could possible turn the Holiday season into a nightmare. Please keep the following tips in mind as you celebrate with your family and loved ones, to insure that everyone stays safe. From everyone at the Laurens County Fire Department, we wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!
- Only use decorations that are flame-retardant or not flammable.
- Check holiday lights each year for frayed wires or excessive wear.
- Don’t link more than three strands of holiday lights.
- Never leave a burning candle unattended. Consider using battery-operated flameless candles.
- Keep your live Christmas tree away from heat sources and room exits.
- Water your live Christmas tree daily to keep it from becoming dry.
Winter holiday fire facts:Electrical distribution or lighting equipment was involved in more than two of every five (44%) home Christmas tree fires.
Two of every five (39%) home Christmas tree fires started in the living room. Five percent were chimney or flue fires. One-fifth (21%) of the decoration fires started in the kitchen. Sixteen percent started in the living room, family room or den.
Almost three of every five (57%) December home decoration fires were started by candles, compared to one-third (32%) in January to November.