FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO): With Thanksgiving over, it’s now acceptable to fully get into the holiday spirit.
That might mean playing Christmas music and putting up holiday decorations. The Indiana State Fire Marshal is encouraging Hoosier to keep fire safety in mind when decorating for the holiday.
“A large portion of home fire during the holiday season are a result of holiday lights and unattended candles,” according to the Indiana Department of Homeland Security.
Decorations and holiday lights should be examined each year before they are put up. Frayed, broken strands and missing lights are a fire hazard.
Older strands should be replaced with newer lights, which are less likely to catch fire. Also, lights should be turned off before leaving the house or going to bed.
Below are more holiday tips.
- Stay clear of power or feeder lines when hanging lights outdoors
- Always have a buddy system when up on a ladder or roof
- Make sure the ladder is on a secure and level footing before climbing
- Space the base of the ladder one foot away from the wall for every four feet it reaches up
- Never stand on the top two rungs of an extension ladder or on the very top of a step ladder
