Holiday Hazards

The holidays are here but so are the hazards that come along with the season.

According to The American Red Cross, 38 percent of home candle fires start in bedrooms with this holiday season being no expection.  While company occupies your home this Christmas weekend, safety issues are always important…candles being a major concern.

"When you are opening presents Christmas Eve or Christmas day, people are throwing wrapping paper around like crazy, the kids get excited, and so it probably wouldn’t be a good idea to have candles burning any place close to where you are unwrapping presents," said Red Cross Director Marlene Henderson.

Henderson says cooking and overloading circuits with lights are other risks that you should keep in mind.  And when it comes to candles, there is one way you can protect your home.

"Probably the best thing to do is go get the little flicker battery operated. They are just as pretty, put them down in a candle, and it still gives that wonderful warmth like a candle burning but it’s a lot safer," said Henderson.

For more information on how to keep your home fire safe, visit www.redcross.org/homefires.