Keep your Christmas trees hydrated, don’t overload extension cords, and keep lit candles away from flammable options.

Delaware officials want to prevent fire deaths by offering tips for safely decorating and entertaining this holiday season.

For the second year in a row, the leading state reached double-digit numbers of fire deaths this year.

The Delaware Fire Sprinkler Coalition said the deadly fires in December brought the death toll to 16, two more than last year, according to data from the Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office. One person was found dead following a fire in Millsboro on December 11which was the second fatal fire in Sussex County in a week.

DEADLY FIRES: 1 dead found following house fire in Millsboro; 2nd fatal fire in Sussex in a week

Residential fires investigated and reported by the state fire marshal’s office in December alone resulted in more than $700,000 in damages, according to the sprinkler coalition.

Here are some tips for keeping your home safe during the holidays:

Decoration

• Choose fireproof or fireproof decorations.

• Keep lit candles away from decorations and other flammable objects.

• Use lights correctly for indoor or outdoor use.

• Do not overload extension cords or place cords under rugs.

• Use clips, not nails, to hang lights so the cords don’t get damaged.

Amusing

• Check smoke detectors and discuss your fire escape plan with overnight guests.

• Keep children and pets away from burning candles and keep matches and lighters locked away.

• Keep an eye on stovetops when cooking and keep children at least 3 feet away to avoid spills and burns.

• Remind smokers to smoke outside and remind them to keep their items out of reach of children.

• Provide large, deep ashtrays for disposing of cigarettes and wet butts with water before throwing them away.

The Christmas tree

• Choose a tree with fresh, green needles that do not drop when touched.

• Keep trees at least 3 feet away from any heat sources, such as fireplaces, radiators, candles and heat vents.

• Be sure to water the tree daily and make sure it doesn’t block outlets.

• Replace worn, broken string lights and loose bulbs.

• Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.

• Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving the house or going to bed.

Do you have any advice? Contact Amanda Fries at [email protected]. Follow her on X at @mandy_fries.

This article was originally published in the Delaware News Journal: Fire Safety Tips for Enjoying the Holiday Season in Delaware