On its official Twitter feed, the Department of Homeland security is reminding Americans that holiday decorations and Christmas trees can burst into flames.
“Use decorations that are nonflammable or flame-retardant & placed away from heat vents.” the announcement warns, linking to a list of steps citizens can take to prevent fires sparked by Christmas trees and holiday lights.
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The list prepared by the U.S. Fire Administration offers some of the following tips:
- Keep the tree watered
- Be careful not to drop or flick cigarette ashes near a tree
- Never put lit candles on a tree
- Do not put your live tree up too early or leave it up for longer than two weeks
- Use only lighting listed by an approved testing laboratory.
- Never put wrapping paper in the fireplace
- Do not leave holiday lights on unattended!
