Overview
- Departments in Mississippi, Maine and Ohio urged residents to unplug holiday lights when sleeping or away and to inspect strands for frayed insulation or warmth.
- Guidance emphasized using UL‑rated LED lights, matching cords to indoor or outdoor settings, avoiding overloaded outlets, and keeping extension cords unobstructed.
- Residents were told to water live trees daily, recut the trunk before setup, remove trees that stop drinking, and keep trees and décor three feet from heat and clear of exits.
- Firefighters recommended battery‑operated candles over open flames and cautious use of space heaters and electric blankets only when people are nearby and smoke detectors work.
- Officials encouraged testing smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and reviewing home escape plans as households host more guests during colder months.