As you deck the halls this holiday season, stay fire-smart with these tips from the City of Carlsbad Fire Department.

Fireplaces, chimneys and furnaces
There have been at least three significant fires in Carlsbad in the past year that started in a fireplace/chimney. Top ways to stay safe include:

• Clean and inspect your furnace, fireplaces and chimneys annually.
• Clear out debris and any animal nesting materials.

Candles
December is the peak month for home candle fires. More than one third of home candle fires start in the bedroom, and three out of five candle fires start when flammable items are too close to the candle. Follow these steps to stay safe:

• Never leave burning candles unattended.
• Keep candles away from kids and pets.
• Keep candles away from flammable items.
• Place candles at least three inches apart.
• Never leave candles burning overnight.
• Never use a candle where medical oxygen is being used.
• Consider using battery-operated flameless candles, which can look, smell, and feel like real candles.

Trees
Holiday tree fires are rare, but serious. Nearly one third of home Christmas tree fires are caused by electrical problems, and a heat source too close to the tree causes one in five of these fires.

• If you choose an artificial tree, make sure it’s labeled, certified, or identified by the manufacturer as fire retardant.
• If you prefer a live tree, choose one that’s green and has pliable needles.
• Cut one to two inches off the end of the live tree trunk and score the base. This will allow the tree to absorb more water. Water frequently.
• Place your tree at least three feet away from any heat source. Make sure it is not blocking an exit.
• Use lights that have the label of an independent testing laboratory. It’s also important to note if the lights are for indoor or outdoor use.
• Carefully place your lights when stringing them on your tree. Turned all bulbs away from gifts and paper ornaments. Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections.
• Always turn off lights on trees and other decorations at the end of the night or when leaving home. A short circuit in any of this equipment could cause a fire.
• Keep children and pets away from light sets and electrical decorations. All lights present a hazard for curious little ones.

Decorating with a ladder
If you’re taking your holiday decorations to new heights, be sure to check out our safety tips before stepping foot on a ladder.

• Use ladders on a steady surface.
• Always have three points of contact (two feet and one hand).
• Never reach while on a ladder.
• Wear appropriate footwear.
• Avoid using metal ladders near power lines or exposed energized electrical equipment.
• An extension or straight ladder used to access an elevated surface must extend 3 feet above the point of support.

Electrical outlets
Overloaded electrical circuits are a major cause of residential fires. Help lower your risk of electrical fires:

• Do not overload electrical outlets.
• Check lighting instructions for the maximum light strands to connect (usually no more than three).
• All major appliances should be plugged directly into a wall receptacle outlet. Never use extension cords or multi-outlet converters for appliances.
• Only plug one heat-producing appliance into a receptacle outlet at a time.
• Relying heavily on extension cords is an indication that you have too few outlets to address your needs. Have a qualified electrician inspect your home and add new outlets.

Space heaters
If using a space heater to stay cozy this holiday, remember these safety tips:

• All heaters need space. Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment.

• Place your heater on a solid surface.
• Plug it directly into wall outlet (no extension cords).
• Make sure it has an auto shut-off.
• Turn it off when you go to bed or leave the room.

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
Working smoke and CO alarms save lives.

• Test your smoke alarms and CO detectors monthly to make sure they are functioning properly.
• The City of Carlsbad Fire Department will install a free smoke alarm in Carlsbad residents’ homes and will install free CO detectors for adults 62 or older. Learn more.

Holiday tree disposal

• Dispose of your tree as soon as it begins to drop needles. Dried-out trees create a serious fire danger and should not be left inside the home or garage, or left outside, against the home. Watch the City of Carlsbad home page for information on tree recycling.

Learn more
Stay safe with additional home fire safety tips.