The holidays are here and everyone is busy thinking of family, gifts, delicious food and holiday parties. No one wants to be told what they should or should 
not do but when it comes to safety, sometimes it pays to take the time to listen.
Be sure to take time to check extension cords for exposed wiring. If you see any signs of cracking or if it has a brittle covering, get rid of it. Do not overload extension cords with too many lights or appliances, this could cause the cord to overheat. Do not place extension cords under rugs or use indoor cords for the outdoors.
We all have our favorite Christmas lights but they too can become old and cause problems. Check them for wear.
There’s nothing like a nice warm fire in the fireplace or wood stove. However, what’s not so nice is a fire caused by your fireplace or wood stove. Have your chimney checked for loose or missing mortar and for creosote buildup. Fireplaces and wood stoves are for wood, not paper and cardboard.
When you are thinking of gifts, how about a fire extinguisher, smoke detector, or a carbon monoxide detector. If you already have a fire extinguisher, check to make sure it has pressure and that the nozzle is clear.
Lots of cooking is being done this time of year. If something cooking on the stove catches fires, you can just cover it with a lid. Do not try to carry the burning pan to the sink, as this may spread the f
ire. If that turkey or ham catches fire in the oven, just keep the door closed!
Most people like to use candles this time of year too, but NEVER leave candles unattended. If you have a pet in the house, make sure they cannot jump up and knock the candle over.
Space heaters are great to warm up that cold room in your home, garage, or barn. Not so great if it causes a fire. They should be three feet away from any wall or combustible material.
One last thing, if you have an emergency escape plan for your home, go over it with your family and if not, create one. It might be the best gift of all. If you should have a fire in your home, get everyone out and meet at the location designated in the escape plan. Then, call the fire department.
Wishing you a happy and safe holiday season.