By Terri Seydel

Candles have been lighting our way and our homes for more than 5,000 years. Over time, their use has been extended beyond our basic needs and they have come to represent peace, tranquility, and hope.

In modern times, the winter holiday season brings an increase in the use of candles as they are widely used in religious ceremonies, celebrations, and home decoration.

This increase in seasonal use also brings a greater risk of fire. In fact, more than half of the home fires in December are started by candles. However, most of these fires can be avoided with these simple precautions.

• Choose decorations that are flame-resistant or flame-retardant.
• Ensure there are no flammable materials near lit candles
• Never leave a burning candle unattended; blow them out when you leave the room or go to bed.
• Do not use lighted candles on a tree or near other evergreens.
• Keep children and pets away from lit candles.
• Keep matches and lighters in a secure area away from children’s reach.
• Test your smoke alarms and tell guests about your home fire escape plan.

The Red Cross offers these additional steps you can take to decorate your home safely:

• Check all holiday light cords to ensure they aren’t frayed or broken. Don’t string too many strands of lights together — no more than three per extension cord.
• Turn off all holiday lights and decorations when going to bed or leaving the house.
• Ensure outside decorations are for outdoor use and fasten lights securely to your home or trees. If using hooks or nails outside, make sure they are insulated to avoid an electrocution or fire hazard.
• If buying an artificial tree, look for the fire-resistant label. When putting it up, keep it away from fireplaces, radiators and other sources of heat. Never use electric lights on metallic trees.
• If getting a live tree, make sure it’s fresh and keep it watered. To test if the tree is fresh, bend the needles up and down to make sure no needles fall off.
• Don’t light the fireplace if hanging stockings or other decorations on the mantel.
• Check the labels of older decorations. Some older tinsel is lead-based. If using angel hair, wear gloves to avoid irritation. Avoid breathing in artificial snow.
• If using a ladder, be extra careful. Make sure to have good, stable placement and wear shoes that allow for good traction.

This holiday season, keep your home bright and your family safe. For more safety tips, check out this holiday home fire info sheet.