Lights, decorations, and trees dress the holiday season and mark our memories of “the most wonderful time of the year”.

Unfortunately, those same adornments that add color to the season make this time of year extremely dangerous, and deadly, when it comes to home fires.

Statistics from the National Fire Protection Association show:

• One of every three home Christmas tree fires is caused by electrical problems.
• Although Christmas tree fires are not common, when they do occur, they are more likely to be serious. On average, one of every 31 reported home Christmas tree fires results in a death compared to an average of one death per 144 total reported home fires.
• A heat source too close to the tree causes one in every four of Christmas tree fires.
• December is the peak time of year for home candle fires.
• One-third of all candle fires start in the bedroom.

Steps You Can Take To Prevent Home Fires

According to the United States Fire Administration:

• Connect no more than 3 stands of mini-light sets.
• Connect no more than 50 bulbs for screw-in light sets.
• Make sure your tree is at least 3 feet away from heat sources like fireplaces, radiators, space heaters, candles or heat vents.
• Keep candles 12 inches away from anything that burns.
• Get rid of your Christmas tree immediately after Christmas or when it is dry. It  should not be left in the home or garage, or placed outside the home.

The Philadelphia Fire Department recommends:

•  If you have an artificial tree, be sure it’s labeled, certified or identified by the manufacturer as fire-retardant.
• If you choose a fresh tree, make sure the green needles don’t fall off when touched; before placing it in the stand, cut 2” from the base of the trunk. Add water to the tree stand, and be sure to water it daily.
• Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit, and is at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, space heaters, radiators, candles and heat vents or lights.
• Use lights that have the label of a recognized testing laboratory, and make sure you know whether they are designed for indoor or outdoor use.
• Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords, or loose bulb connections. Read manufacturer’s instructions for number of light strands to connect.
• Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving the home or going to bed.
• After the holidays, residents should set their trees out with rubbish on their scheduled collection day. Those who wish to drop off their tree for recycling may visit the Philadelphia Streets Department for detailed information regarding drop off time, dates and locations.

Become Fire Ready

• Make sure your smoke alarms are working. Test them by pushing the test button. If you do not have a smoke detector, the City has one for you, at no cost. The Philadelphia Fire Department will even install it for you. Contact PFD or Philly 311, the City’s non-emergency number for services.
• Sit down to develop, and practice, an escape plan for you and your family.
• Establish an emergency plan, which includes a contact list, meet-up locations, and building a go-bag.
• Include everyone in your home. Be aware of those with access and functional needs.
• Pets are family too. Include them in your plan. Check out more Thanksgiving and holiday fire tips from our partners at Red Paw Emergency Relief.
• Be connected to emergency information through free ReadyPhiladelphia alerts. Details, which may include evacuations and shelters being opened, are sent to your phone or computer as text or email alerts.

Follow Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management on Twitter. Like us on  Facebook.