Keep holidays happy, fire-free Published Dec. 7, 2006 By Assistant Chief Tom Nicometi McGuire Fire Department MCGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, N.J. -- Each year, fires occurring during the holiday season injure 2,600 people and cause more than $930 million in damages, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. When it's the season to decorate for the holidays, people work hard to create just the right mood. Many like the soft glow from candles, flames crackling in the fire place, twinkling lights and a tall tree loaded with ornaments. People who are planning parties and family get-togethers to celebrate the joy of the season shouldn't forget to make a decorating safety list and check it twice. The 305th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Prevention Section offers the following safety tips to help make the holiday season a fire-safe one. Candles: - Do not leave candles unattended. - Supervise children and pets around burning candles, and put away matches or lighters. - Make sure to use candle holders that are sturdy and won't tip over easily and are big enough to catch all of the wax drippings. - Trim wicks to one-quarter inch. - Don't put candles in windows or doorways where wind could knock them over. - Always extinguish candles when leaving your home. Decorating the tree: - Use indoor lights inside your house and outdoor lights outside. - Check that lights are in safe, working order. - Keep electrical cords out of the way, but not under rugs where they could be a tripping hazard. - Unplug lights when you leave your home or go to bed. - Use no more than three strings of lights on a single extension cord. Tending the tree: - Pick a green tree. Needles on a fresh tree should be green and hard to pull back from the branches, and should not break if the tree has been freshly cut. - Cut off two inches from the end of the trunk. - Set the tree in a water-filled stand. - Do not block doorways or exit paths. - Place the tree away from any heat source. This will prevent the tree from drying out. - Anchor the tree, so children or pets don't knock it over. - Water the tree daily. - Use artificial trees that are labeled as fire-resistant. Holiday entertaining: - Unattended cooking is the leading cause of home fires in the U.S. When cooking for a holiday visitor, remember to keep an eye on the cooking range. - After a party, always check between and under upholstery and cushions, and inside trash cans for cigarette butts that may be smoldering. - Test your smoke alarm, and let guests know what your fire escape plan is. - Completely douse cigarette butts with water before discarding. For more information about holiday fire safety, call the McGuire Fire Prevention Section at (609) 754-3326.