Holiday Safety Tips
Answers for Renters

If you are decorating for the holidays, here are some safety tips to prevent a fire in your rental home:

• When decorating a tree with lights, be aware that light bulbs get can get very hot. Keep the bulbs away from wrapped packages and out of reach of small children.
• Be sure your lights are in good condition without any cuts in the wiring that might spark a fire. Keep light cords and extension cords out of the way of pets that might chew on them.
• Avoid plugging too many lights and other appliances into your extension cords or wall sockets. Otherwise, you may blow a fuse or, even worse, cause a fire.
• Remember to keep water in the tree stand to avoid drying out your tree.
• Always turn off the tree lights before going to bed.
• Once the holiday season is over, do not dispose of your tree by burning it in your fireplace.  The tree will burn so fast that your fireplace cannot contain the fire, which may spread into your home or onto your roof.
• Apartment communities may provide a bin for disposing of your tree.
• For renters of single-family homes, call your local trash collection service. Some communities or non-profit groups pick up trees on a specific day or provide a place you can bring your tree for recycling.

          Follow these tips and your holidays will be safe.