Along with a lot of fun, many holidays and other special occasions can also add up to potential fire hazards. Fourth of July fireworks, Halloween jack-o-lanterns, birthday candles, luminarias, tiki torches—all involve an element of peril.

Whenever using any decoration that involves the use of fire, make sure the item is level, firmly grounded, and is not placed near or under any flammable object such as drapes and furniture, branches and leaves.

To avoid the most common and serious fire hazard, choose the freshest Christmas tree available; cut it down yourself if possible. Keep it outdoors until it’s time to trim, and keep it in a water-filled stand throughout the holiday.

Make sure lights have the UL mark. Take the tree down before it drops quantities of needles.

Never string lights on an artifical metal tree because of the danger of electrical shock.

Get a Pre-Screened Fire Prevention and Protection Contractor