Hi, I am Patsieann Misiti with the Alexandria Fire Department in Alexandria, Virginia. We have been talking about holiday safety and winter preparedness. Now, let's talk about candles and other decorations.

Well, candles provide a warm and festive atmosphere. Research shows that home fires caused by candles peak during the holiday season. The highest numbers of candle fires occur on Christmas Day followed by New Years Day and Christmas Eve. Decorations can burn easily.

Follow these suggestions for a safe holiday. Always keep burning candles within your sight. Never use lighted candles on a tree or in your evergreens. Put candles securely in non-tip containers and place the candles out of reach of children and pets. Always use table candle holders with the hurricane glass to protect an open flame. Make sure to blow out candles before you leave the room or go to sleep and to eliminate the risk of open candle flames use battery powered candles with greenery or other decorations.

If there are small children in your home or visiting your home, make sure to take matches and lighters and store them in a well locked cabinet so they are out of their reach. For decorations, make sure to use only noncombustible or flame resistant materials to trim a tree. Choose tinsel or artificial icicles of plastic or non leather material. Be aware that leather materials are hazardous if ingested by children and to avoid eye irritation and skin irritation follow directions carefully while decorating an artificial snow spray.

Next, we are going to talk about winter preparedness.