The end of the year is typically one of the busiest times of the year and a local fire department wants to make sure you're not overlooking safety when it comes to holiday decorating or using portable heaters as the temperatures drop. According to the National Fire Protection Association, heating equipment is a leading cause of home fires and deaths.
New Bern Fire Department Battalion Chief Dennis Tyndall says, "This time of year especially it's important to to make sure your smoke detectors are working properly."
That means right now is the time to test them, especially if you have a Christmas tree up in your house.
Tyndall says, "You should keep them watered. Make sure they are not drying out. In the event that they do and a fire starts you want to make sure your smoke detectors are working properly."
And real or fake you should never leave the lights on your tree when you're not home.