The DeKalb Fire Department is conducting inspections of holiday decorations at local businesses to help ensure a safe holiday for DeKalb citizens.

“It’s been done annually for years,” Assistant Fire Chief Reuben Nelson said. Members of the fire departments in each of the districts will inspect decorations and merchandise to make sure they are used in a safe way.

Nelson said the inspections would be basic and quick.

Julie Morsch, interim general manager at Borders Books and Music, 2520 Sycamore Road, has walked through the inspection with the firefighters in previous years. She said some things they checked for were overloaded outlets and over use of extension cords

In addition to extension cords, Nelson said those inspecting the businesses will look at Christmas trees and lights.

Megan Morrison, owner of Megan Morrison Home and Garden, 237 E. Lincoln Highway, said she thought the inspections were great and valuable for public safety.

Nelson said these inspections also provide an opportunity for the engine companies to get out and see the community.

“We find less and less problems each year,” Nelson said. He said businesses learn the right and wrong ways to set up decorations when they are inspected every year.

At the time, inspections are restricted to businesses in DeKalb. However, Nelson said the department would be willing to inspect holiday decorations in homes.

“If they would invite us in, we could do it,” Nelson said.

Nelson said he could not recall a situation in which a business would not comply with the inspections.