During the Christmas season it is often traditional to decorate the home with opulent holiday decorations. The Utah Department of Public Safety has some tips to make sure that the holiday stays safe. Christmas trees are a signature decoration and though Christmas tree fires are not common they are dangerous as 1 in every 45 reported home Christmas tree fires resulted in death. Make sure the Christmas tree is at least 3 feet away from a heat source as 1 in every 4 winter fires are started in this way. Candles are one of the most dangerous decorations to have. More than 1/3 of the home decoration fires are started by candles during December. Keep all candles 12 inches away from ANYTHING that burns. Also note that the top three days for home candle fires are Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and New Year’s Eve. Be sure to read manufacturer’s instructions on Christmas lights to know how many strands can be connected together. Finally be sure to get rid of the Christmas tree after Christmas or when it is dry.
