Wisconsin Emergency Management is looking to help everyone stay safe this holiday season.
While holiday lights and candles can brighten homes, that glow can quickly turn into a disaster.
Fire departments across the country responded to an average of 832 home fires that began with decorations and an average of 145 fires started with holiday trees, according to the National Fire Protection Association.
To ensure you avoid a winter fire, it is suggested that you water your live holiday tree regularly and look for the “Fire Resistant” label when buying an artificial tree.
Also, ensure trees are placed at least three feet away from heat sources, such as a heater or fireplace.
Candles should never be left unattended when lit, so ensure they are extinguished when you leave the room.
And when you decorate, never string together more than three sets of incandescent lights and never overload electrical outlets or power strips.
For more holiday safety tips, visit WEM.WI.gov.
