Decorating Safety Tips from the Strongsville Fire Department

The Strongsville Fire Department is urging residents to follow these state-approved safety tips when decorating for the holidays:

State Fire Marshal Larry Flowers said three aspects of decorating -- lighting, live Christmas trees and candles -- can lead to fires.

In fact, one-third of holiday fires are electrical failures, according to the National Fire Protection Association. 

For lights:

• Check for damage before putting up each strand.

• Only buy lights that are UL approved.

• Don't string too many strands together.

• Don't run extension cords under rugs.

• Never use outdoor lights indoors

• Turn all lights off when you leave or go to bed.

For trees:

• Get a fresh tree and keep it watered. Once it gets dry, throw it out. 

• One in five holiday fires start because a head source is too close to a Christmas tree.

• Don't block your escape route with a tree or presents.

For candles:

• Never leave a lit candle unattended, even for a minute.

• Don't place lit candles on or near a Christmas tree.