The State Fire Marshall’s office is reminding Iowans to be safe during the holidays. They recommend testing smoke alarms and telling guests about home fire escape plans before the festivities kick off. Also, keep children and pets away from lit candles, stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop and be careful with holiday decorations. According to the Fire Marshal’s Division two out of every five home decoration fires are started by candles and nearly half a dozen decoration fires occur because decorations are too close to a heat source.

More tips are below:

HOLIDAY DECORATING
– Be careful with holiday decorations. Choose decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant.
– Keep lit candles away from decorations and other things that can burn.
– Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both.
– Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Connect no more than three strands of mini light sets and a maximum of 50 bulbs for screw-in bulbs. Read manufacturer’s instructions for number of LED strands to connect.
– Use clips, not nails, to hang lights so the cords do not get damaged.
– Keep decorations away from windows and doors.

HOLIDAY ENTERTAINING
– Test your smoke alarms and tell guests about your home fire escape plan.
– Keep children and pets away from lit candles.
– Keep matches and lighters up high in a locked cabinet.
– Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop.
– Ask smokers to smoke outside. Remind smokers to keep their smoking materials with them so young children do not touch them.