Holiday Fires Can Be Prevented
Things you can do to reduce your risk of a holiday
fire.
The holiday season is a joyful time of generosity and
warmth, of songs and family and traditions. It is also, unfortunately, a time
when we see an increase in house fires - fueled in part by holiday decorations,
candles and Christmas trees. Fires caused by candles, for instance, increase
fourfold during the holidays. Some 200 house fires occur each year where
Christmas trees are the initial source of ignition.
House fires during the winter holiday season kill 500 and
injure 2,000 people, and cause more than $500 million in damage.
You don't have to give up your holiday decorations in the
interest of safety, but there are some easy, commonsense things you can do to
reduce your risk of a fire. To emphasize the importance of being prepared to
protect ourselves, our families, and our communities we offer these safe holiday
tips:
- Select a fresh Christmas tree that
is kept in water at all times. Needles on fresh trees should be green and
should not fall off easily. Don't put your tree up too early or leave it up
longer than two weeks. Dried out Christmas trees can ignite easily and boost
a fire by spreading it rapidly to nearby combustible materials.
- Place your Christmas tree in a safe
place, away from heat sources such as a fireplace or heat vent.
- Maintain your holiday lights.
Inspect your lights before you use them to ensure they don't have frayed
wires, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets or excessive wear.
Only use lighting that is listed by an approved testing laboratory and don't
leave the lights on when you're not home.
- Avoid overloading electrical
outlets. Don't link more than three light strands unless the directions
indicate it is safe. Periodically check the wires. They should not be warm
to the touch.
- Use only nonflammable decorations
that are placed away from heat vents and if you're using an artificial tree,
make sure that it's flame retardant.
- Avoid using candles. If you do use
candles, ensure they are in stable holders and place them where they cannot
be easily knocked down.
- Do not leave lit candles
unattended, never put candles on a Christmas tree and never leave the house
with candles burning. Place menorahs away from vents or flammable materials.
It's also important to know that fires caused by children
increase during the holiday season. According to our National Fire Incident
Reporting System, children cause nearly 60 house fires a day in mid-December,
with another sharp increase on New Year's Day. Parents should take precautions
to prevent such avoidable tragedies.
Every year, the anticipated joy of the holiday season
turns to unexpected grief and loss for families hit by residential fires. Please
heed our advice and take these steps to a safe and happy holiday season.
More Fire Prevention
Tips...
If you have
questions or would like more information on any
of the fire prevention information show here please contact the
Pierre Fire Department by viewing our contact
page. | 