Holiday Fire Safety Tips

The Holiday season is upon us. This is a time of joy but there is also an element of danger.  Here are a few suggestions to make your holiday season remembered for it's joyfulness and not for it's tragedy.

• Be sure to test your smoke detectors.
• Clean the oven and stove prior to the holiday. Often the extra load on these appliances causes a fire due to the high use and extra grease build-up.
• Keep kitchen clutter away from the stove and oven.
• Be extra careful with matches and candles. Candles should be made of flame retardant materials - look for a label stating such.
• Avoid loose, flammable clothing. Clothing often catches on fire around candles, matches, fireplaces and stoves (both electric and gas).
• Keep decorations away from sources of heat such as open flames, electric heaters and exposed electric bulbs.
• Don't overload electric outlets. Inspect electrical cords and light sets. If in doubt - throw them out.

• Keep your Christmas tree in a sturdy base filled with water and check the water level daily.
• Spraying the Christmas tree with a flame retardant is always a good idea.
• Make a fresh cut on the trunk of your tree and place in a sturdy holder.
• Place the tree away from heat sources, such as fireplaces and heaters.
• Do not use candles on or near the tree.
• Safely dispose of your tree before it becomes dangerously dry, however never burn tree or tree parts in your fireplace.

• Purchase only UL approved lights.
• Check all indoor and outdoor lights for frayed cords, replace if necessary.
• Never use lights that have an empty socket.
• Lights should not touch combustible materials.
• Use only outdoor lights for "outdoors"
• Turn off all Christmas lights, prior to leaving your home or going to bed.
• Mini lights are safest because they produce less heat.
• Avoid using extension cords, but if you do follow instructions carefully.
• Do not overload electrical circuits, such as wall outlets and extension cords, use a circuit strip.

• Keep combustible materials away from heat sources.
• Never burn wrappings in your fireplace.

In closing, every home should have an operating fire extinguisher and smoke detector. From our family to your family, wishing you a happy and safe holiday season.