MONROE — Tanna McKeon, Green County Emergency Management Director reminds everyone to make fire safety a priority when you are decorating your home this holiday season. 

Christmas trees and fresh greenery are beautiful holiday decorations but they also pose a major fire hazard if they are not property maintained. Nationally, there is an average of 160 home fires that were started by Christmas trees. These resulted in deaths, injuries and millions of dollars in property damage. It only takes a matter of seconds for a fire involving a dry live tree to grow into a large blaze. 

Live trees should be kept at least three feet away from heat sources, such as a fireplace or heater. Heat will dry out a real tree, causing it to more easily ignite when exposed to heat, flame or sparks. Live trees should be watered daily. 

Almost half of all Christmas tree fires start from electrical distribution problems or lighting equipment. Inspect holiday lights each year and replace strands that have worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. If the wires are warm to the touch, unplug them and properly dispose them. Be sure to turn off all lights on trees and other decorations when going to bed or leaving the house and unplug extension cords when they are not in use.

Christmas is a peak time for candle fires and never leave a burning candle unattended. Place them where they can’t be accidently knocked over and at least 12 inches away from flammable materials. Consider using consider using battery-operated flameless candles. 

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are among the top days of the year for cooking fires. Avoid distractions in the kitchen when cooking, and keep cooking areas clear of decorations or other items that could catch fire. 

“Check your smoke alarms to make sure they are working properly and test them monthly,” McKeon said. “Alarms should be located on every level of your home. If you haven’t created an escape plan with your family, do it now. Be sure practice it so everyone knows two ways to get out of the house in the event of a fire.”

McKeon also suggest easy and practical holiday gift giving this year: Fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, battery jump cables, compact tire inflators, first aid kits, weather radios, flashlights, waterproof/fireproof safe, etc.  

“All of these are relatively inexpensive and really do make great gifts,” McKeon said.