Safety Corner: Don’t torch your holiday fun

shutterstock_145229422Christmas should be a time of joy and celebration, not sorrow. To ensure a safe and happy holiday season, here are a few things to keep in mind:

Keep candles away from walls and drapes, and avoid using them in decorations or displays. Watch for dripping wax. Keep candles away from air vents or open windows where the flame can be fanned and ignite nearby flammables.

Check electric Christmas lights for frayed or damaged wires or loose connections. Never leave lights on unattended. Always unplug lights before leaving the house and do not leave them on while sleeping.

If buying a live tree, choose a fresh one without shedding needles. Water the tree daily. Do not place the tree near a source of heat such as a radiator. Try to place the tree near an outlet so that an extension cord is not needed for electric tree lights.

If you use an artificial tree, make sure it is fire resistant.