As families across the state continue to deck the halls with seasonal décor for the holidays, the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshall is encouraging people to be cautious when decorating with candles and lights this holiday season. 

The Office offers the following tips to stay fire-safe with holiday decorations:

• Make sure holiday decorations are either flame-retardant or flame-resistant.
• Keep lit candles at least 12 inches away from decorations or anything that can catch fire.
• Keep children and pets away from lit candles.
• Extinguish all lit candles before going to bed or leaving the house.
• Check to ensure your lights are rated for indoor or outdoor use,or both.
• Replace any worn light strands or broken cords. Read the recommendation for several light strings you can string together.
• Turn off all light strings and decorations before leaving home or going to bed.

• For a real Christmas tree, check water levels daily! It is not unusual for a tree to drink two gallons of water the first day it is in the stand.

• Keep real Christmas trees away from a heat source. It can dry out the tree quickly.

Before hosting holiday gatherings, ensure your family and friends know your fire escape plan.

Stay safe! Learn more at https://www.illinois.gov/news/press-release.20914.html.