Each year fires
occurring during the holiday season injure 2,600 individuals and cause over $930 million
in damage. According to the United States Fire Administration (USFA) and the National Fire
Protection Association (NFPA), there are simple life-saving steps you can take to ensure a
safe and happy holiday. By following these tips, you can greatly reduce your chances of
becoming a holiday fire casualty.
Holiday Fires
The year-end holiday season -- Thanksgiving,
Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and New Year's -- coincide with heating season. That,
combined with the use of decorative lights and candles and parties where people drink and
smoke, increases the likelihood of a fire. The most important thing you can do to be
fire-safe is to plan ahead and pay attention.
Heating Hazards
Space Heaters: Keep anything that can burn at least
three feet away from stoves, fireplaces, space heaters, and portable heaters. Keep space
heaters and portable heaters at least three feet away from walls.
Always use the proper
fuel for liquid-fuel heaters, be sure they are vented properly, and refill them only in
well-ventilated areas and when they are cool. Make sure the type of space heater you use
is legal in your area and bears the label of an independent testing laboratory.
Central
Heating: Have furnace installations and all chimneys inspected and cleaned
once a year (before heating season begins) or whenever you suspect a problem.
Fireplaces:
Keep fireplace fires small, and always use a fireplace screen to prevent sparks from
flying into the room. Do not leave children alone in a room with a fireplace fire. Never
burn trash or paper in a fireplace; burning paper can float up your chimney and onto your
roof or into your yard. Remove ashes in a metal container and store them outside.
Celebrating with Children
Matches and
lighters: Use only lighters designed to be child resistant, and keep all
matches and lighters out of children’s reach – up high and preferable in a
locked cabinet. Teach older children how to light candles and fireplace fires safely, and
supervise them carefully.
Party Safely
Use only flame-retardant or noncombustible
materials for costumes and decorations. Use chafing dishes with caution. Provide smokers
with large, deep, non-tip ashtrays, and keep an eye on anyone who is drinking and smoking.
Empty ashtrays often – wet their contents before dumping them. After the party, check
cushions for smoldering cigarette butts.
Lights and candles
Electric
lights: Be sure all indoor and outdoor holiday lights bear the label of an
independent testing laboratory. Throw away any set of lights that has cracked or frayed
cords or loose or damaged sockets. Do not overload electrical outlets or run extension
cords under carpets, across doorways, or near heaters. Be sure extension cords are not
pinched behind or under furniture, and unplug all decorative lights before leaving your
home or going to bed. Never use electric lights on a metal Christmas Tree.
Candles:
Put candles in non-tip candle holders and light them only when they are securely in their
holders. Never burn candles near a Christmas tree or decoration or displays. Keep candles
well away from curtains and other combustibles, and never put candles in windows or near
exits. Do not leave candles burning unattended or within the reach of small children.
Extinguish candles before you leave a room or go to bed.
Christmas Trees
Choose a fresh-cut Christmas tree. If
you’re not cutting it yourself, buy a tree that is not shedding its needles. Install
the tree in a large, deep non-tip stand well away from fireplaces, exits, and heat
sources. Be sure your tree has a constant supply of water – check the level daily.
Store it well away from your home until you can dispose of it. The best way to dispose of
a tree is to recycle it. Ask about tree recycling where you purchase your tree.
If you use an artificial tree, be sure it is
flame-retardant.
OHFD
copyright 2005-2007. This page was updated on September 05, 2007 |
