5 Things: Holiday Decoration Safety

More than 400 people are killed and more than 1,650 are injured during holiday-season fires, according to the United States Fire Administration.

But there are ways to keep safe in Hopatcong. Read more in 5 Things You Need to Know About Holiday Decoration Safety.

1. You Need to Know to Maintain Your Holiday Lights Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking or wear before putting them up. Use only lighting listed by an approved testing laboratory.
2. You Need to Know to Not Overload Electrical Outlets Do not link more than three light strands, unless the directions indicate it is safe. Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet. Make sure to periodically check the wires - they should not be warm to the touch.
3. You Need to Know to Not Leave Holiday Lights on Unattended: As simple as it sounds.
4. You Need to Know to 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.
5. You Need to Know to Use Only Nonflammable Decorations: All decorations should be nonflammable or flame-retardant and placed away from heat vents.

SOURCE: FEMA