| Festive celebrations, flickering lights and winter greens are hallmarks of the holiday season, but they also present fire risks that can quickly turn this festive time of year into a devastating one. This season, take a few minutes to review these fire safety tips so you and your loved ones can stay safe while staying warm and celebrating the holidays. Holiday lights help make this season magical, but they can pose a serious fire risk if left unattended or not properly installed. *Don’t overload electrical outlets with multiple plugs or extension cords. *Make sure electrical cords for lights are not frayed or knotted. *Check that the lights are for indoor use if you’re hanging them inside. *Replace any string of lights that may have worn or broken cords, or loose bulb connections. Do not string more than three strands of lights together. You can read the manufacturer’s instructions to learn about the maximum number of light strands you can safely connect together. *Keep candles 12 inches away from anything that can burn and never leave candles unattended while they’re lit. *Turn off decorations before you go to bed and make sure to blow out all candles. *Use battery-operated, flameless candles instead of traditional wax candles. *If you have an artificial tree, be sure it’s labeled, certified, or identified by the manufacturer as fire-retardant. Did you know that properly choosing, caring for, and disposing of your Christmas tree can help prevent house fires? Here are some safety tips to keep in mind: *When choosing a tree, bend some of the needles. If they break, the tree is too dry. *After picking your tree, cut an extra inch or two off the trunk. The fresh cut will help the tree absorb water. *Place the tree firmly in its stand, with plenty of room for water. Check the water level daily, and water the tree if needed. *Never leave a lighted tree unattended. *Don’t let the tree block any exits or stairs. *Make sure your tree is at least 3 feet away from heat sources like fireplaces, radiators, space heaters, candles, or heat vents. |
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| Online Holiday Shopping Safety |
During the holiday season, criminals will try to scam us with too good to be true deals or even fake charities. Their tactics typically include malicious links that install malware on our devices or fraudulent websites that can steal our money or even our identities. Luckily, CISA has tips to follow for scram-free shopping and a safer holiday season while you find the perfect gift for your loved ones. |
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