Clearwater Fire Offer Holiday Safety Tips

Clearwater Fire and Rescue want to "Keep the Wreath Green" by offering holiday decoration safety tips.

The department hung a 72-inch green wreath at Fire Station 45 downtown and will change the lights to red each time there is a fire related to unsafe holiday decorations.

Half of holiday fires happen because decorations are too close to a heat source and almost half of all home decoration fires are started by candles.

Here are some tips to help ensure a fire-free holiday season:

• Choose holiday decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant
• Keep lit candles away from decorations and other things that can burn
• Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both
• Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections
• Connect no more than three strands of mini light sets and a maximum of 50 bulbs for screw-in bulbs. Read manufacturer's instructions for number of LED strands to connect.
• Use clips, not nails, to hang lights so the cords do not get damaged
• Keep decorations away from windows and doors
• Blow out lit candles when you leave the room or go to bed
• Turn off all light strings and decorations before leaving home or going to bed
• When the tree becomes dry, remove it from your home right away

Related coverage:

• Firefighters Hope to 'Keep the Wreath Green'

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