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Hoosiers Encouraged To Keep Safety In Mind When Putting Up Holiday Decorations

Last updated on Friday, November 25, 2016

(INDIANAPOLIS) - While putting up decorations this holiday season, the Indiana State Fire Marshal, part of the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, encourages Hoosiers to keep fire safety in mind. A large portion of home fires during the holiday season are a result of holiday lights and unattended candles.

Holiday lights and decorations should be carefully examined each year before they are hung outside or on a tree. Common fire hazards that Hoosiers should look for on holiday lights are frayed or broken strands and missing bulbs.

If possible, older styles of lights should be replaced with newer, cool-to-touch lights that are less likely to ignite nearby materials. There should never be more than three strands of lights attached together and circuit breakers should not be overloaded. Always verify that lights are rated for the location they'll be used, such as outdoor lights being used outside.

When leaving the house or going to bed, lights should be turned off and all candles should be extinguished. Candles should never be placed in an unattended holiday display, on a Christmas tree of any kind or below any other ignitable holiday decorations. If candles must burn completely as part of a holiday celebration, make sure they are attended to at all times.

Decorating Safely

Each year, thousands of people make trips to the emergency room from falls due to unsafe ladder use while hanging holiday lights or decorations.

Here are a few ladder-related tips to keep in mind this holiday season:

When decorating outside during cold weather, Hoosiers should try to limit the amount of time they are outside at once. Exposure to cold temperatures for an extended amount of time puts extra strain on the heart and can increase the risk of frostbite.

Adults and children should wear the following while decorating outside:

For more information on holiday decorating safety, visit GetPrepared.IN.gov.

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