**Now that Winter and the
holiday season is here, there are many fire safety tips that are
important.
Each year fires occurring during the
holiday season claim the lives of over 400 people, injure 1,650 more, and cause
over $990 million in damage. According to the United States Fire Administration
(USFA), there are simple life-saving steps you can take to ensure a safe and
happy holiday. By following some of the outlined precautionary tips,
individuals can greatly reduce their chances of becoming a holiday fire
casualty.
Preventing Christmas Tree
Fires
- Christmas Tree
Fire Hazards - Movie segments demonstrating
how fast a live Christmas tree can become fully engulfed in flames.
Special fire safety precautions need to be taken when keeping a live tree
in the house. A burning tree can rapidly fill a room with fire and deadly
gases.
- Selecting a Tree
for the Holiday - Needles on fresh trees
should be green and hard to pull back from the branches, and the needle
should not break if the tree has been freshly cut. The trunk should be
sticky to the touch. Old trees can be identified by bouncing the tree
trunk on the ground. If many needles fall off, the tree has been cut too
long, has probably dried out, and is a fire hazard.
- Caring for Your
Tree - Do not place your tree close
to a heat source, including a fireplace or heat vent. The heat will dry
out the tree, causing it to be more easily ignited by heat, flame or
sparks. Be careful not to drop or flick cigarette ashes near a tree. Do
not put your live tree up too early or leave it up for longer than two
weeks. Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times.
- Disposing of Your
Tree - Never put tree branches or needles in a fireplace or
wood burning stove. When the tree becomes dry, discard it promptly. The
best way to dispose of your tree is by taking it to a recycling center or
having it hauled away by a community pick-up service.
Holiday Lights
- Maintain Your
Holiday Lights
Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the
insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking or wear before
putting them up. Use only lighting listed by an approved testing
laboratory.
- Do Not Overload
Electrical Outlets
Do not link more than three light strands, unless the directions indicate it
is safe. Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging
the cord into the outlet. Make sure to periodically check the wires - they
should not be warm to the touch.
- Do Not Leave Holiday Lights on
Unattended
Holiday Decorations
- Use Only
Nonflammable Decorations
All decorations should be nonflammable or flame-retardant and placed away
from heat vents.
- Never Put
Wrapping Paper in a Fireplace
It can result in a very large fire, throwing off dangerous sparks and
embers and may result in a chimney fire.
- Artificial
Christmas Trees
If you are using a metallic or artificial tree, make sure it is flame
retardant.
Candle Care
- Avoid Using Lit
Candles
If you do use them, make sure they are in stable holders and place them
where they cannot be easily knocked down. Never leave the house with
candles burning.
- Never Put Lit Candles on a Tree
Do not go near a Christmas tree with
an open flame - candles, lighters or matches. Finally, as in every
season, have working smoke alarms installed on every level of your home, test
them monthly and keep them clean and equipped with fresh batteries at all
times. Know when and how to call for help. And remember to practice your home
escape plan.
source: usfa.dhs.gov
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