Holiday Guide: Holiday Hazards and Fire Safety

Most of us know the scene from A Christmas Story when Darren McGavin's character plugs the tree lights into a menagerie of outlets and sparks begin to fly. Unfortunately, many will attempt to make the best of their old holiday hardware just like McGavin, but the outcome will not be the stuff of holiday movie classics.

"...during this time of year, we tend to see an increase in the number of house fires," said Nassau County Firefighters Museum Chief Instructor John Murray. "…some homeowners will use older electric light strands with frayed wiring or broken bulbs [or] bring dry Christmas trees into their homes." 

Candles set a cheery mood, lights (once they're untangled) make the season bright, and decorations add some holiday flair. However, most decorations bring with them many safety hazards that should be addressed.

Follow these five easy safety guidelines from the Nassau Firefighters Museum & Education Center to make sure you don't get a visit from the this holiday:

• Maintain Your Holiday Lights
  Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking or wear before putting them up. If old lights look frayed and worn, throw them out. Use only lighting listed by an approved testing laboratory - Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both.
• Do Not Overload Electrical Outlets
  Do not link more than three light strands, unless the directions indicate it is safe. Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet. Make sure to periodically check the wires - they should not be warm to the touch.
• Be Careful When Using Candles
  If you do use them, make sure they are in stable holders and place them where they cannot be easily knocked over.  Never leave candles unattended. Always keep candles away from decorations and other things that can burn.
• Use Only Non-flammable Decorations
   
• Never Put Wrapping Paper near a Fireplace or Other Heat Sources