Be Fire Smart

Every year I love to decorate our Christmas tree with my sentimental ornaments and lights.  But we must also remember to keep our family safe, because Christmas Trees and other decorations can be a fire hazard.

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, nearly 47,000 household fires occur during the holidays each year. Misplaced or dry decorations mixed with fires and candles can lead to injuries, the loss of property, and even to lost lives, a tragedy which most families fail to consider amidst their festive holiday planning.

In preparation for this year’s holiday season, Liberty Mutual Insurance and Holly Robinson Peete, actress, philanthropist and mother of four are teaming up to raise awareness and spread simple tips to keep families safe this holiday by encouraging moms to set aside a few moments before the holiday rush to review fire safety precautions and response plans with their family at BeFireSmart.com.

Here are some safety tips from their website:

1. Keep decorations (trees, wreaths, etc) at least three feet from heat sources. Candles, heaters, etc.

2. Inspect holiday lights each year for things like frayed wires. If you didn’t do this when you decorated, I really urge you to go ahead and do this now.

3. Do not overload your electrical outlet(s). Please change it  if you did.

4. Do not leave holiday lights or candles unattended. I know your tree is beautiful and you want to come home after Christmas Eve service to your beautiful tree. But unplug it when you leave and turn it back on when you come home.

BeFireSmart.Com acts is a resource for parents and educators that offers tips for talking with children about fire safety, how to prevent fires, and how to create a family escape plan should a fire break out. Games and activities such as a free downloadable coloring book further engage children as they learn how to spot potential fire risks and help to keep their families safe.  I love their interactive childrens activities.

Be sure to enter the Liberty Mutual Fire Smart Sweepstakes for your chance to win a 4-day/3-night trip for four people to the Walt Disney World® Resort. You can visit “Where’s the Fire?” — the nation’s largest interactive fire safety education experience — at INNOVENTIONS at Epcot® at the Walt Disney World® Resort in Florida.

Thanks so much to Mom Central and Liberty Mutual for reminding us about these holiday fire safety tips!