Decorate Safely this Holiday Season

As you decorate your home this year for the holidays make sure you check them to ensure they are working properly. Rabun County Assistant Fire Chief Justin Upchurch says holiday decorations can be fire hazards.  “Fire Departments nationwide respond to 210 home fires yearly caused by Christmas Trees. It costs an average of six deaths, 16 injuries, and $16.2 million in direct property damage annually. One in every 34 reported home fires that begin with Christmas Trees result in a death, which compared to normal one death per 142 total, so if your Christmas Tree catches on fire you have a much higher chance of being killed or injured.  Somethings to do are make sure when you get a real tree select one that is fresh, you don’t know how long they have been cut so select the freshest one, make sure the needles aren’t turning brown and they don’t fall off when you touch them, if you bounce the tree on the ground most of the needles should stay on and not fall off, if they do it has probably been cut too long and you are probably not going to be able to hydrate it enough to keep it safe.  That is when the trees get dangerous is when they dry out and can catch on fire. Always use an artificial tree that has been labeled and certified as fire-retardant also. Holiday lights, replace any string of lights that is worn or has broken cords or loose bulb connections. Keep decorations away from windows and doors or anywhere that you might get entangled if you have to get out. A lot of people use candles during the holidays, so always be wary of keeping candles away from everything that could be flammable.  Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use so make sure the lights that you are using you are using correctly and in the right area.”  Parents are encouraged to teach their children about fire dangers and plan an escape route with your family to ensure if there is a fire that everyone knows what to do and where to go to be safe.