How to safely deck the halls of your home

Fires and injuries associated with holiday decorating are no strangers to Hoosiers. On average, 2,000 home structure fires occur during the months of December and January.

Many are caused by holiday lights, Christmas trees and unattended candles, along with improperly maintained alternative heating units.

A little knowledge can go a long way in preventing fires and injuries from improper use of appliances for heating.

 
When heating bills start to climb, many people believe they can substitute their cooking stove for a properly working furnace. Fires can occur from combustibles too close to burners, both gas and electric, and from overworking electric elements when burners are kept on the highest setting continuously.

Burn injuries and carbon monoxide poisoning are the two most common hazards associated with misusing cooking appliances as makeshift heating devices.

Portable space heaters are for temporary use in small areas, not meant for trying to heat an entire living space. Space heaters need space; at least 3 feet in all directions should be clear of things that can burn: draperies, bedding, furniture, people and pets.

When decorating with lights, keep the following in mind:

-Check all decorating lights for frayed wiring, broken and non-working bulbs.

-Do not repair the wiring of decoration lights; replace the damaged strings of lights.

-Use lights properly: indoor-rated lights for indoors and outdoor-rated lights for outdoors.

-Do not overload or overuse extension cords. A small tag attached to each cord will state how many watts the cord can safely handle as well if it is approved for outdoor use. Use a surge protector instead.

-A timer connected to the decorating lights can "remember" to shut off the lights when you leave the house or go to bed.

Follow these tips when decorating with Christmas trees and greenery:

-Keep all trees and greenery, regardless if real or artificial, away from open flames (candles, fireplaces, wood-burning stoves) or other heat sources (space heaters).

-Before decorating, live trees should have a few inches cut off the bottom to allow water to easily be absorbed through the tree.

-Artificial trees should have a label stating "Fire Resistant" attached to the tree or on the packing box.

Follow these tips to avoid fires and injuries when using candles:

-Have lighted candles only in rooms where adults are present.

-Remember to extinguish all candles when you go to bed or leave the house.

And always make sure fresh batteries are in all smoke detectors. Buy and install carbon monoxide detectors. They are installed in the same locations as smoke detectors.

— Clay Fire Territory Fire Marshal Dave Cherrone