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Holiday Fire Safety Tips
General Fire Safety
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.
Christmas Trees
- 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.
Christmas Lights
- 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.
Christmas Wrapping
- 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.