The risk of fires from heaters and candles increases during the holiday season.

The state Fire Marshal’s Office is reminding everyone about fire safety during the holiday season.

“The risks of fire increases as residents tend to stay inside to avoid the cold, damp weather. The use of heating devices such as portable space heaters, fireplaces and wood stoves should be done with care. Cooking activities, holiday lights, candles and other decorations also create fire danger,” State Fire Marshal Charles Duffy said.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office suggests the following safety tips to ensure a safe and happy holiday season:

General heating tips

• Keep all heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn, i.e., curtains, walls, furniture, papers, etc.
• Plug power cords only into outlets with sufficient capacity and never into an extension cord.
• Keep children and pets away from heaters.
• Have your chimney inspected each year and cleaned if necessary.

Cooking safety

• Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling or broiling food.
• Keep any flammable and combustible items away from your stovetop.
• Keep children and pets away from any cooking appliances.

Holiday lights

• Ensure the wiring of holiday lights are in good condition.
• Do not overload electrical outlets.
• Do not leave holiday lights on unattended.

Holiday decorations

• Use only nonflammable decorations.
• Never put wrapping paper in the fireplace.
• Choose a flame-retardant artificial Christmas tree.

Candle Safety

• Avoid using lit candles. There are now battery operated candles that can be used as an alternative.
• Never put lit candles on a tree.

Now is a great time to test your smoke alarms and to review your home escape plan, so that if a fire occurs, everyone in your household knows how to get out quickly and safely. For even greater protection, consider installing a residential fire sprinkler system. Fire sprinklers actually stop the spread of fire using small amounts of water that protect life and property. Remember that fire safety is your responsibility and your preventive actions may save your or your family’s life.