TRI-CITIES, Wash.-Getting ready to light up the inside or outside of your home this year? Keep in mind some important safety tips to ensure your season stays merry and bright.
Whether you’re putting up the tree or stringing lights on the roof, the Yakima Fire Department has some winter fire and safety reminders.
Indoor decorating:
Make sure your tree is away from heaters, fireplaces or other heat sources in your home. A tree too close to a heat source causes one out of every four winter house fires according to the NFPA. Trees should be at least three feet away from any heat source.Make sure there’s a clear path into and out of your home and keep entryways free of debris or decorations, so emergency personnel have a clear path just in case of an emergency.
Outdoor decorating:
Follow the recommendations found on Christmas light boxes for the number of light strands you can connect. Only connect the recommended amount to prevent electrical or fire issues.Consider using LED lights instead of incandescent. LED lights use less power and allow you to connect more strings end-to-end than traditional incandescent lights.Have a spotter if you are using a ladder to reach high spots in trees or on your home.If going up on your roof, tie off for your safety and let someone inside or nearby know that you are on the roof.