OC Fire Department shares holiday safety tips
The holiday season means time for family and festivities, but during this time fire officials are warning folks about the increase risk of home fires caused by holiday decorations.
According to the National Fire Academy U.S. Fire departments respond to an average of 2010 home structure fires caused by Christmas trees per year, which is why the Ocean City Fire Department is looking to share a few tips to prevent fires from breaking out during the holiday season.
Fire officials recommend replacing any string lights with worn or broken cords, and if you have a live Christmas tree it is important that it is watered daily. Officials say fires are less likely to break out on trees that are well-watered.
"Also with Christmas trees, making sure that when we leave the house, when we go to bed, we strongly encourage people not to leave the lights on, " says Joe Sexauer, the Ocean City Fire Marshal.
Although maintaining holiday equipment can help reduce the risk of a home fire , fire officials say it cannot always prevent it .
