Bee Editorial
Prevent fires this holiday season
While many folks celebrate the holidays with Christmas trees, Hanukkah bushes

and other decorative foliage, it is important to note that trees sometimes cause home fires resulting in injury or death, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

NFPA statistics show that, on average, live and artificial Christmas trees are the ignition sources of 300 reported U.S. home structure fires each year, resulting in 14 fatalities, 21 injuries and $16.8 million in property damage.

By following simple safety measures such as making sure your tree is well-watered, and keeping open flames, such as burning candles, away from the tree, you can help keep your family and home safe.

In addition, 44 percent of Christmas tree fires are caused by an electrical problem or malfunction. Decorators should make sure that any electrical cords they use are in good working order.

If electrical cords and light strings are damaged or have frayed wires, consider buying new ones. Inspect light strings for cracked sockets and frayed, bare or loose wires.

Look for the holographic Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) mark on light strings and electrical decorations. The UL mark means that UL engineers have tested samples of the product for safety hazards. The not-for-profit safety testing organization also certifies lights for indoor or outdoor use.

Lights intended for indoor-only use have green holographic UL marks. Light strings intended for indoor and outdoor use have red holographic UL marks.

House fires and electrical shocks aren’t the only preventable accidents that injure people and damage or destroy property. Each year

12,500 people are treated in emergency rooms for injuries related to holiday decoration mishaps, according to the Consumer Products Safety Commission.

People are often injured by falling off ladders while decorating, and many house fires are started by candles this time of year.

The most common causes of candle fires are candles burning too close to combustible materials, such as mattresses or bedding, furniture, curtains or walls or candles left unattended.

Candles should be kept away from combustible materials and away from spots where they could be knocked over by people or pets.

For more holiday decorating tips regarding tree fire prevention and electrical, ladder and candle safety, visit www.nfpa.org or www. ul. com/ newsroom/ opdec/ video. html.