Peoria firefighters offer holiday decorating safety tips

As residents begin stringing lights and hanging garlands for the holidays, the Peoria Fire Department offers some decorating safety tips:

Outdoor decorating safety tips

• Make sure all lights and cords are in good condition and rated for outdoor use.

• Check all extension cords and strings of light for damage. If they are cracked or damaged in any way, throw them away. They are cheap to replace.

• Make sure your ladder is in good shape and rated for the size of the person using it.

• Have a spotter keep the ladder stable while in use.

• Do not overload electric circuits.

• Follow all instructions for the number of strings of lights that can be connected.

Indoor decorating safety tips

• If you use a fresh cut tree, keep it watered.

• If the tree gets extremely dry, remove it from the house.

• Place fresh cut trees away from heater vents, as the vents will dry them out faster.

• Use indoor-rated lights on the tree.

• Make sure all lights and extension cords are in good condition.

• Don't run cords under carpets or rugs.

• If using an artificial tree, use only lights that are rated for artificial trees.

• Be careful with candles. Candles are popular at this time of the year, but they can cause house fires.

• Make sure all candles are completely out before you go to bed or go out for the evening.

• Keep candles, matches and lighters out of the reach of children.

• Never put a candle near dried decorative materials.