Have a Fire Safe Holiday Season
Following a few simple fire safety tips can help ensure that you and your loved ones have a fire-safe holiday season.

Indoor Christmas Trees
If you have a real Christmas tree, make sure it is a fresh one; needles should be green and bendable.
Before placing the tree in your tree stand, make sure it has a fresh cut on the bottom to allow the tree to better absorb water .
Check the water every day; do not let the tree dry out. A dry Christmas tree is a dangerous Christmas tree.
Remove the tree once it becomes dry and the needles begin to fall off.
If you purchase an artificial tree, make sure it is flame retardant.
Place your tree away from heat sources. Avoid heating vents, fireplaces and candles. Never place lighted candles on or near your tree.
Carefully inspect all electric lights before placing them on your tree. Never use lights which have frayed wires, wiring which is hot to the touch, or lights which are “positional” where moving the strand can make the lights go on or off.
Turn off all electrical decorations when you leave your home or retire for the evening.
Outside lighting
Don’t overload your electrical system.
Carefully inspect all Holiday lighting
Make sure any outside lights are rated for outdoor use.
Extension cords may become tripping hazards, never place any cords where there is usual foot traffic or where a vehicle may drive over it.
Make sure your outdoor receptacle is protected by a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter)
Fireplaces 
Have your fireplace, chimney and flue inspected and cleaned regularly.
Only burn dry, seasoned hardwoods in your fireplace.
Artificial logs burn up to three times hotter than natural wood. These logs are made of sawdust, paraffin wax, and glue. Make sure your fireplace is rated to use these types of logs. Read and follow all instructions on the log wrapper.
Never throw or spray any flammable liquids into a fireplace. This includes gasoline, lighter fluid or liquor.
Never place wrapping paper in your fireplace to burn.
Never place evergreens in your fireplace
Keep a screen in front of the fireplace at all times.
Fireplace ashes should be placed in a metal container for disposal. Ashes can have live coals up to three days after a fire. Never place ashes on a deck or in a garage.
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