(WLUK) — State officials want to make sure Wisconsinites deck the halls safely.
While holiday decorations make the season brighter, they also pose a fire risk if not used or maintained properly.
“The holidays are a great time to put up lights and greenery, as we get our homes ready to welcome family and friends,” said Wisconsin Emergency Management Administrator Greg Engle. “However, decorations can create serious fire hazards. By taking time to check electrical wires and being cautious with candles, everyone can help keep those around them safer this season.”
When it comes to your Christmas tree, real or artificial, ReadyWisconsin says you should never place it close to a heat source such as a fireplace or heat vent. The heat can dry out the tree, causing it to be more easily ignited by heat, flames or sparks.
If you have a real tree, it is also important to water your tree everyday.
You should also inspect holiday lights each year and replace string lights that have worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. You should also put your lights in places they are manufactured to go. Some lights specify whether they are for indoor or outdoor use.
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As you hang your outdoor lights, ReadyWisconsin says never overload your electrical outlets and do not link more than three light strands unless the directions say it is safe to do so.
You should also check your decorations when they are in use. If they are warm to the touch, unplug them. Be sure to turn off lights on trees and other decorations when going to bed or leaving the house and unplug extension cords when they are not in use.
While candles offer a holiday ambiance, they too can spark destructive fires. Nearly half of the home decoration fires reported in the U.S. during the month of December are caused by candles, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
You should never leave a burning candle unattended and make sure they are kept at least a foot away from things that can burn. You can also consider using battery-operated flameless candles.
Cooking during the holiday season can also bring fire concerns into your home, with Christmas Eve and Christmas Day among the top days of the year for cooking fires. If you’re preparing a holiday meal or treats, avoid distractions in the kitchen, keep cooking areas clear of decorations or other items that could catch fire, and have a fire extinguisher available nearby.
As always, check your home’s smoke alarms to ensure they are working properly and in case of a fire, have an escape plan ready.