Photo by Alex Meyer Capt. Deric Jamison, of the Wheeling Fire Department’s Bureau of Fire Prevention, shows items related to fire safety during the holidays during an informational event held Friday at the department, including lit candles; extension cords; and the trunk of a live Christmas tree.

With the start of December, the Wheeling Fire Department is taking steps to educate people about fire safety during the holiday season.

The department’s Bureau of Fire Prevention held an informative event Friday where Capt. Deric Jamison spoke about the main fire dangers common during this time of year, including candles; Christmas trees; and extension cords.

Nationally, December is the month where the highest number of fires from decorations occur. Most of those fires are from candles, according to a prepared statement from the fire department.

“If you do have candles around the house, we want you to never leave the room with a lit candle and always blow that out before you leave the room,” Jamison said.

People using candles in their homes should make sure to trim the wicks so the flames don’t get too large. They also should avoid placing candles on or near things that could catch fire, he said. Live Christmas trees are another major source of house fires. A dry tree, if ignited, can get out of control in just 10 seconds, according to the release.

“Next weekend I’m told is the busiest weekend for selling live Christmas trees,” Jamison said. “We want to make sure that you keep them watered every day.”

People who buy live Christmas trees should cut at least 2 inches off of the trunk and immediately place the tree in water, he said. The trees can use up to a gallon of water a day.

The Wheeling Fire Department works with the Osiris Shriners of Wheeling to help inform people about fire safety each year. The Shriners provide activity books related to fire safety for children in addition to signage that the department puts up at stores that sell live Christmas trees.

“These little activity books, coloring books for the youngsters, maybe they can remind the parents just what (Jamison) was talking about,” said Barry Crow of the Osiris Shriners. “It might save their lives.”

Jamison also cautioned people to not overload extension cords, place them underneath carpet or use them with a space heater. The cords can overheat and start fires if used improperly.

Those who encounter a fire should call 911 and not try to fight it, the department said.