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HOLIDAY CANDLES

It's easy to forget that the lovely candles used in thousands of homes during the winter holidays are ignition materials too. To keep your holidays safe, candles should be used by adults only, and used with care. December is the most dangerous month for candle fires, with almost twice the number of home candle fires of an average month. Christmas is the peak day, followed by New Year's Day and Christmas Eve.

For a safer holiday season:

• Keep candles, along with all ignition materials, out of the reach of children.
• Never leave a room with a candle still burning.
• Declare all bedrooms "no candle" zones.
• Keep candles well away from any items that can catch fire, including cloth, books, paper, curtains, Christmas trees and decorations. During December, decorations are the leading item first ignited during candle fires.
• Place candles in sturdy holders, away from spots where they could be knocked over by children or pets.
• Keep exits clear of decorations. Be sure everyone in your home knows your fire escape routes and that nothing is blocking these exits.

TREE STANDS

• If you have a live tree, the stand must be adequately sized to hold the tree in an upright position to avoid tipping over.
• Tree stands should contain a two-day minimum supply of water, covering the stem at least 2 inches
• Never let the water level recede below the cut end of the tree.
• Don't use any additives in the tree water.

LIGHTS

• Bulbs should not be larger than the 3-5 volt type.
• The number of light sets that can be connected together must be consistent with the manufacturer's guidelines.
• When connecting light sets from different manufacturers, the most restrictive guidelines shall be used.
• Each connected set of lights shall be on a separate circuit. Use only extension cords with overcurrent protection.

DECORATIONS

• All decorative trim must be a flame-resistant material or be treated with a flame-retardant product.
• Additional decorations surrounding the tree and not a part of the tree must be carefully placed to avoid sources of heat, such as light bulbs or heater vents.
• Combustible decorations such as straw, hay or other dry vegetation must be treated with a flame retardant solution before use.

PLACEMENT

Remember, when setting up holiday decorations and Christmas trees; be careful where they are placed. Don't conceal or obstruct access to:

• Exit doors
• Fire extinguishers