WASHINGTON, Dec. 24 (UPI) -- Christmas stockings may be hung on the mantel with care but they always should be removed when a fire is lit, U.S. Underwriters Laboratories say.
In fact, homeowners are advised to manage their mantel by keeping any combustible materials such as greenery or ribbons away from any possible spark or flame.
Position a Christmas tree at least 3 feet away from fireplaces, radiators and other heat sources.
Never burn used wrapping paper in the fireplace, as it may cause intense flash fires, and consider recycling instead, the Underwriters Laboratories advise. Always use a fireplace screen to prevent sparks from getting out of the fireplace.
Keep candles away from items that easily catch fire, such as decorations, window treatments and paper. Candles cause more than 12,000 fires annually in the United States -- far more than Christmas trees -- the Consumer Product Safety Commission says.
Be sure candles are kept far from children's and a pet's reach and are extinguished any time you leave the room. Never leave candles left unattended, the underwriters say.
Since 1894, Underwriters Laboratories, an independent product safety certification organization, has been testing, verifying, validating and inspecting thousands of everyday things to keep homes and businesses safe.
