Decorating smart: avoiding electrical fires during the holidays
MADISON COUNTY, AL (WAFF) - According to the Killen Fire Department's Facebook page, Christmas trees alone cause $13-million in property damage annually.
That's why fire experts want to make sure you're putting up your holiday decorations the right way.
Fire investigator Michael Jaco with the Huntsville Fire Department says electrical fires account for 30 percent of the fires they work, and they're asking you to think smart this holiday season.
He says that's why you're urged to be aware of "how" you're decorating by using the correct equipment.
"Make sure you have one that has circuit breaker protection," said Jaco. "That circuit breaker would kick in and protect the household circuit from overloading."
He adds if your outlets start to overheat, turn off the entire area by cutting off the power from the main circuit breaker in your home.
Click here for our Be Prepared segment on other winter and holiday season fire prevention advice.
Copyright 2015 WAFF. All rights reserved.
