Follow these basic fire tips to ensure your celebrations stay merry and bright.

Shorter days, colder temperatures and holly jolly holidays make up the winter months in Michigan. However, this time of year is also when home fires in Michigan are at their peak. Check out these basic fire tips to keep your family and friends safe during the best time of year.

Keep Christmas trees watered

The difference between a well-watered Christmas tree and a dry one can be the difference between life and death. Dry trees are extremely flammable and can turn deadly in seconds. Check out this Christmas Tree Fire Safety video that shows a dry tree side-by-side with a watered tree and exposed to flame. The dry tree fills the room with fire in a matter of moments.

Shorts in electrical wires and open flames lead to many house fires each year. Discard any lights with damaged wires, keep candles and other sources of heat or flame, such as space heaters and smoking materials, away from trees.

Use flameless candles

According to the National Fire Protection Association, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day are the top three days of the year for candle fires. Many fires are started when people fall asleep or leave home while a candle is still burning.

Avoid fires by replacing traditional candles with battery-operated, flameless candles. The newer ones flicker and mimic natural firelight without the danger of an open flame.

If burning candles with a flame, make sure to keep them away from Christmas trees, decor and furniture that can catch fire. Also, keep them high enough so they can’t be reached by children or pets.

Make sure smoke alarms are working

Unfortunately, even with preventive measures a home fire can still occur. That’s why it’s important to have working smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside sleeping areas and on each level of your home.

For more fire safety tips at home, explore the MI Prevention website.

Have a safe and happy holiday season!

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