State Insurance Commissioners Offers Tips for a Safe Holiday

Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner Ralph Hudgens is urging Georgians to keep safety in mind when decorating their homes for the holidays.

“Decorations such as lights and candles can make the holiday season more enjoyable, but they can also become fire hazards if not used with caution,” Commissioner Hudgens said. “Celebrations can quickly turn into tragedies if you aren’t careful.”

Hudgens says while those lights and candles are beautiful, they can also be a fire hazard.

According to the National Fire Protection Agency, U.S. fire department responds on average more than 200 home fires started by Christmas trees per year.

These fires cause an average of 6 deaths and 16 injuries annually.

That’s why Commissioner Hudgens is offering a few tips to make sure you Christmas holiday is safe.

“Check the tree for freshness. A good test: Hold a branch about six inches from the tip and pull your hand toward the tip, allowing the branch to slip through your fingers. If the Christmas tree is fresh, very few green needles will come off,” Hudgens explained. “Also, lift the tree off the ground and tap the stump on the ground. Again, very few needles should fall off. When you get the tree home, place it in a stand designed not to tip over, and keep plenty of water in the stand.”

Hudgens also said make sure you do not place the tree near a fireplace, television or other heat sources.

Next, he says before putting up your holiday lights, do a quick check.

“Buy lights labeled by a testing laboratory and always check for frayed or damaged cords,” he said. “For outside decorations, use only outdoor lights. Never use indoor lights outside. Always unplug all decorative lights before leaving home or going to bed. Don’t overload electrical outlets.”

The leading causes of Christmas tree fires in the U.S. are the result of poor electrical wiring or faulty lights.

Finally, everyone loves a glowing fireplace at Christmas or beautiful scented candles, but Hudgens says an unsupervised fire or lit candle could quickly destroy your holiday.

“Do not light fires while stockings are hanging on the fireplace,” Hudgens advised. “Never burn wrapping paper in the fireplace; it can flare up and ignite creosote deposits in the flue. Also, never light a candle and leave the room.  And if burning a candle, keep it away from children and in a location where it will not be easily knocked over.”

For information on keeping your home safe for the holidays, you can go online to the National Fire Protection Agency at: www.nfpa.org.