Health Tip: Practice Fire Safety During the Holidays

With candles, dry trees and wreaths scattered throughout the home, the holidays pose an increased risk of fire.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission offers this advice for a safer holiday season:

• Make sure children can't reach candles, matches or lighters.
• Don't smoke near any flammable decorations, don't burn evergreen branches in the fireplace and don't light candles near evergreen trees.
• Practice an emergency fire plan for your home, making sure every member of the family knows the plan.
• Avoid loosely-fitting clothing (especially sleeves) around candles, fireplaces and other fire sources.
• Watch for any potential fire hazards, and move to reduce risk.