(Atlantic) The Christmas season can be the best time of the year and one of the most dangerous times for fires. The National Fire Protection Association statistics indicated that 30-percent of all home fires and 38-percent of the home fire deaths occur during December, January, and February.
When it comes to holiday decorating, Atlantic Fire Chief Tom Cappel says avoid overextending extension cords and plug-ins and test the outlets.“Make sure the lights on the tree are set on a timer to avoid running all night or shut them off before you go to bed,” stated Cappel. “But one of the biggest dangers is overloading power cords and power outlets.”
It’s also wise to use decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both. Keep lit candles away from decorations and other things that can burn. Be careful with holiday decorations; replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections, use clips, not nails, to hang lights, so the cords do not get damaged, and keep decorations away from windows and doors, test the smoke alarms, and read the manufacturer’s instructions for the number of light strands to connect.
