Holiday Hazards: San Ramon Valley FPD Safety Tips

SAN RAMON, CA — Holiday decorations are going up as residents get set for Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, the winter solstice, and other December celebrations.

To keep the community safe, the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District is offering tips on how to prevent fires, injury and other holiday tragedies.

"More than half of the home decoration fires in December are started by candles," according to the SRVFPD tips. "The top three days for home candle fires are Christmas Day, New Year's Day and New Year's Eve."

Christmas trees are also a big source of house fires in December. "A heat source too close to the Christmas tree causes one in every four winter fires," according to the SRVFPD.

Holiday lighting — interior and exterior — can also pose fire risks, as can space heaters, which are often in use this time of year.

The SRVFPD has a webpage devoted to holiday safety. It offer excellent tips, especially on lights and Christmas trees. Read more from the SRVFPD.