Fire Safety Tips for the Holidays

Candles can beautifully enhance a holiday get-together. And there's nothing like a crackling fireplace on a cold winter night. Still, you must use caution when "lighting up" this holiday season. A few tips:

• Never leave burning candles unattended. Only burn candles on protected, heat-resistant surfaces.

•  Be careful what you burn in your fireplace. For example, substances such as wrapping paper and evergreen boughs can ignite quickly, burn intensely, and throw off burning debris.

• Dispose of your fireplace ashes in a metal container. Let them burn out and go cold.

•  Use caution when using electric Christmas lights. Fasten bulbs securely in their sockets, and never connect more than three light strands together at any one time. Be sure to discard worn light strings.

• "Outdoors" Christmas lights are for outdoors only.

• Moisture is crucial to a natural Christmas tree - a dry tree is a dangerous fire hazard. Make sure your tree has plenty of water by keeping the water level above the cut. Also, don't set your tree up near heat sources such as fireplaces, heating vents, radiators, or TV sets.

• After a party or gathering, check your home for smoldering cigarettes and lit candles