Holiday Decorations

Decorations & Lighting Safety

  • Use caution with holiday decorations, and whenever possible, use those made with flame-resistant, flame-retardant, or non-combustible materials.
  • Keep candles away from decorations and other combustible materials.
  • Do not use candles to decorate Christmas trees.
  • Only purchase lights and electrical decorations bearing the name of an independent testing lab, and follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation and maintenance.
  • Carefully inspect new and previously used light strings, and replace damaged items before plugging lights in.
  • Do not overload extension cords.
  • Always unplug lights before replacing light bulbs or fuses.
  • Don't mount lights in any way that can damage the cord's wire insulation (for example, use clips, not nails).
  • Keep children and pets away from light strings and electrical decorations.
  • Turn off all light strings and decorations before leaving the house or going to bed.

Contact

For more information on holiday decorations, contact the Fire Department at 617-972-6512.