The holidays can be a wonderful time of the year. While, the glowing candles, the crackling fires in the fireplaces, and the twinkling Christmas lights can make the season merry and bright, they can also increase your risk of a house fire. Every year, more than 400 Americans die due to holiday-related fires, and 1,000 are hospitalized with injuries.

However, by following these tips you can help protect your family while enjoying this festive season.

1. If you’re getting a real pine tree for your Christmas tree, avoid trees with dry needles – making it more flammable. Before you place the tree in the stand, make a fresh cut into the base of the tree to enable it to absorb water better. Also, water your tree every day to prevent it from drying out.
2. If you’re using an artificial tree, make sure that it’s fire-resistant.
3. Place your tree in a sturdy stand so it doesn’t tip over. The tree should be placed at least 3 feet away from fireplaces, radiators, electrical outlets, portable space heaters and other heat sources. Do not block doorways or exits with the tree.
4. Check your Christmas lights for frayed or bare wires, cracked sockets, or loose connections – and replace as needed, to prevent a fire or shock hazard.
5. Don’t connect more than 3 miniature light strings together. Avoid overloading your indoor and outdoor electrical outlets.
6. Check the rating on your extension cords and don’t plug in more than the recommended wattage. Also, don’t use indoor extension cords outside for your holiday light display, since indoor cords are not waterproof and can cause a fire in wet weather.
7. Don’t run electrical cords under carpets or tack them up with metal nails or staples.
8. Unplug all your holiday lights, both indoor and outdoor, every time you are away from home and before you go to bed every night.
9. Don’t use real candles on your Christmas tree. Don’t leave candles or menorahs burning unattended. Keep them away from anything flammable, such a window treatments, decorations, and paper. Always extinguish all candles whenever you leave home or go to bed.
10. Each year have your fireplace inspected and cleaned. Use a sturdy fireplace screen when burning a fire. Don’t burn wrapping paper or pine boughs in your fireplace, since embers can float out of the chimney and start a fire elsewhere.
11. Keep all fireplace mantel decorations, including stockings, away from a burning fire.
12. Test your smoke alarms to ensure they’re in working order.
13. Develop a fire escape plan – identifying at least two exits for every room, and practice your fire escape plan with family members.

By following these tips, you’ll ensure that you and your family will celebrate many more holidays to come.

If you’re planning to purchase a new home or refinance during the holidays or in the New Year, contact Grandview Lending. We’ll be a happy to work with you for all your mortgage needs.