Community Corner

Decorating Safely for the Holidays

Prince William County Fire and Rescue wants to help you prevent injuries this holiday season

Holiday traditions are fun and enjoyable, but some can present special safety hazards, and Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue is reminding residents to take special care as they decorate this holiday season.

Potential safety hazards include ornaments that can harm children and potential fires caused by trees and electric lighting, the department said in a press release. Twenty-one people are killed each year and another 43 injured as a result of home fires involving Christmas trees and holiday lights, the department said.

The department is reminding families to:

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  • Decorate with children in mind. Do not put ornaments that have small parts or metal hooks, or look like food or candy, on the lower branches where small children can reach them.
  • Trim protruding branches at or below a child's eye level, and keep lights out of reach.
  • Natural trees always involve some risk of fire. To minimize the risk, get a fresh tree and keep it watered at all times, and do not put the tree within three feet of a heat source, such as a fireplace, space heater, radiator or heat vent.
  • Never leave a lit tree or other decorative lighting displays unattended.
  • Turn off all decorations before leaving the house or going to bed.
  • Inspect lights for exposed or frayed wires, loose connections and broken sockets.
  • Do not overload extension cords or outlets.
  • Do not run an electrical cord under a rug.
  • Do not burn tree branches, treated wood or wrapping paper in a home fireplace.
  • Keep near each phone the number of the National Poison Center: (800) 222-1222.


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