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The holiday season is a time for celebrating and enjoying time with your family. But for some, it is a time of tragedy that can be avoided with some simple safety practices.
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, 400 Americans lose their life to holiday season fires, another 1,650 are injured, and more than $990 million in damage occur. By following a few simple precautionary tips below you can greatly reduce your chances of becoming a holiday fire casualty.
The National Fire Protection Association reports that fire departments respond to an average of 250 home fires that started with Christmas trees each year.
The following are tips to help you prevent Christmas tree fire:
• Ensure an artificial tree is labeled, certified, or identified by the manufacturer as fire-retardant.
• For a natural tree, ensure it is fresh with green needles that do not fall off when touched.
• Cut 1-2” from the base of the fresh tree trunk before placing in a tree stand.
• Make sure all trees are at least three feet from any heat source, like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights.
• Add water to your tree and check and replenish the water daily. If the needles fall off when touched, the tree is dried out and should be disposed of immediately.
• Dispose of your tree at a recycling center or local community pick-up service. Never dispose of the branches by burning in a fireplace or woodburning stove.
You should also pay close attention to the holiday lights that you are using by following these basic tips:
• Inspect holiday lights each year. Look for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking or wear. Most lighting is listed for indoor or outdoor use; only use according to this listing. Ensure the lighting is approved by an independent testing laboratory like UL (stateside) or CE (European).
• Do not link more than three light strands together unless the directions indicate it is safe. Do not overload electrical plugs and circuits.
• Periodically check the wires of your holiday lights; they should not be warm to the touch.
• Turn all holiday lights off when you leave your home or go to bed for the evening.
Candles are a holiday tradition for many families and are very safe when used safely. The U.S. Fire Administration reports that the majority of candle fires result from human error and negligence.
Here are a few tips to prevent candle fires:
• If possible, avoid using lit candles.
• If you must use candles, ensure they are placed in sturdy holders.
• Keep candles away from children and pets.
• Extinguish candles after each use.
• Never leave candles burning unattended; if you are not in the room with the candle then it shouldn’t be burning.
For more information contact your 886 CES Fire Prevention element at 480-5940 or 06371-475940.
(Courtesy of 886th CES Fire Emergency Services)
