Fire Safety Tips for the Holiday Season

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX - The Corpus Christi Fire Department (CCFD) wants you to have a safe Holiday season. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), almost one-third of Christmas tree fires in the home are caused by electrical problems.

The CCFD Fire Prevention Division says it is crucial to remember holiday decorations can be dangerous if proper precautions are not used.

"The holiday season is a time for joy and happiness. Please take the precautions and safety steps to keep it that way," CCFD Fire Marshal Randy Paige said.

Christmas Tree Safety

• Be sure to keep your live Christmas tree watered daily. Once a Christmas tree dries up, it can burn quickly.
• Keep trees 3 feet from heat sources.
• Make sure the tree is secured in the stand and does not tip over.
• Any lights put on the tree should be UL listed for indoor use.

Holiday Decorating

• Do not plug too many lights into a socket or extension cord. Read the manufacturer's instructions for the number of light strands to connect.
• Some lights are listed for outdoor or indoor use, but not both.
• Fire hazard occurs when there's an overload on the circuit - power source.
• Before going to bed or leaving the house, blow out lit candles and turn off all light strings and decorations.

Heater Safety

• Get all furnaces, wood stoves, fireplaces and HVAC systems serviced before using them for the winter season.
• Purchase a heater with a seal from a qualified testing laboratory (UL listed).
• All space heaters must be kept 3 feet away from any combustible materials.

For more holiday fire safety information go to www.nfpa.com/education.

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