• Buy lights that meet safety standards and test them each year. When buying new lights, check the manufacturer's instructions and make sure the lights have been independently tested.  

• When you select your tree, make sure it’s fresh, as a dry tree is more likely to catch fire. And when you get it home, add water daily to keep it hydrated and place the tree three feet from any heat source (i.e., candles, fireplaces and heat vents). 

• When the holiday season is over, do not store the tree in your garage or near your house. As the tree continues to dry out, the fire danger increases. Check to see if your community has a recycling program for Christmas trees!  

You’re not completely out of the woods with an artificial tree either. According to the  U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, you should check for fire resistant labels, decorate them with materials that aren’t hazardous and take other steps to stay safe.  

Use caution with candles

Candles are comfy. Candles are cozy. Candles are a risk. All of these things are true. While candles can bring warmth and light to the holiday season, they can also bring real risk when used improperly. According to the  U.S. Fire Administration, there are 20 home candle fires reported each day across the country. That’s more than 7,000 fires per year!  

These candle safety tips will serve you through the holidays and throughout the rest of the year! 

• Keep your candles at least one foot away from anything flammable.  

• Always blow out a candle when you leave the room and when you leave the house.  

• If you do use candles, make sure they’re in a stable position that cannot be knocked down easily.  

• Consider battery-operated, flameless candles. Some of these options can even give off authentic candle smells! 

General holiday decorating safety tips

There are a lot more safety concerns to consider when decorating for the holidays. Here are some more rapid-fire suggestions to unwrap: 

• Make sure you’re  using power strips safely with help from MidAmerican Energy Company.  

• Increase safety and convenience by following This Old House’s guidance  putting lights on timers.  

• Use the holidays as a reminder to follow the Indiana Department of Homeland Security’s tips on how to  check your smoke alarms and check fire extinguishers while you’re at it. 

• Don’t block walkways or exits with your decorations per Workplace Safety & Prevention Services recommendations.  

• Hang outside lights safely. This Old House helps you learn the importance of proper ladder technique and keeping an eye on the weather.  

• Protect your pets. Purina lets you know what  holiday plants can harm cats and petMD helps you spot the ones that are  toxic to dogs.  

Put these tips to use and enjoy silent nights without worrying during this holiday season!  

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