How To Protect Your Holiday Decorations

With the holiday season in full swing, the Prince George’s County Fire Department has partnered with the United States Fire Administration to share fire safety advice with county residents.

Each year, fires during the holiday season claim the lives of 400 people and cause $990 million in damage, according to the county fire department.

Here are three simple steps you can take to ensure safe holiday decorations.

Use Only Nonflammable Decorations — All decorations should be nonflammable or flame-retardant and placed away from heat vents.

Never Put Wrapping Paper in a Fireplace — It can result in a very large fire, throwing off dangerous sparks and embers and may result in a chimney fire.

Artificial Christmas Trees — If you are using a metallic or artificial tree, make sure it is flame retardant.