The holiday season is here with lights and festive decorations.
The Yakima Fire Department (YFD) is asking residents to keep a few safety suggestions in mind now to help them avoid costly and possibly life-threatening fire hazards.
“The top three days of the year for home candle fires are Christmas, New Year’s Day and New Year’s Eve,” said Yakima Fire Chief Aaron Markham. “Our goal is for the community to have a safe holiday season and some simple steps now can help.”
To that end, YFD and the U.S. Fire Administration offer the following tips:
- Only use decorations that are flame-retardant or nonflammable.
- Check holiday lights each year for frayed wires or excessive wear.
- Follow the manufacturer’s recommended limits regarding the number of light strings to connect together to avoid overloading circuits.
- Never leave a burning candle unattended. Consider using battery-operated flameless candles.
- Keep your live Christmas tree away from heat sources and room exits.
- Water your live Christmas tree daily to keep it from becoming dry.
Call 575-6060 or visit https://yakimafire.com/ for more about the Yakima Fire Department.