Don’t take the risk with fire safety

Published 8:56 am Wednesday, December 11, 2024

December is the peak time for home and residential fires as temperatures start to dip and holiday-themed decorations are all around us.

Please do take precautions to keep your home and family safe.

The American Red Cross offers simple steps to help make sure your holiday decorations aren’t the cause of a home fire during the holidays.
Choose decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant.

–Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both. Check to make sure you have the right lights for where you are decorating.

–Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections.

–Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the number of light strands you can safely connect.

–Use clips, not nails, to hang lights so the cords do not get damaged.
If you are leaning toward a real tree, pick one with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched. Before placing the tree in the stand, cut 2-inch from the base of the trunk.

–Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights, and make sure the tree is not blocking an exit.

–Add water to the tree every day.

–Never use lit candles to decorate the tree and always turn off the tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.

–If buying an artificial tree, look for a fire-resistant label. When putting it up, keep it away from fireplaces, radiators and other sources of heat. Never use electric lights on metallic trees.

While candles are pretty and some smell good, they also cause home fires. Remember, a candle is an open flame ─ it can easily ignite anything that can burn. Think about using flameless candles ─ they look and smell like real candles.

–Blow out all candles when you leave the room or go to bed.

–Avoid the use of candles in the bedroom and other areas where people may fall asleep.

–Keep candles at least 1 foot away from anything that can burn.

–Use candle holders that are sturdy and won’t tip over easily. Put candle holders on a sturdy, uncluttered surface.

–Light candles carefully.

–Don’t burn a candle all the way down — put it out before it gets too close to the holder or container.

–Never use a candle if oxygen is used in the home.

Lastly, please make sure you have smoke alarms and test them to ensure that they work properly. Change the batteries at least once a year.

These tips can save lives, prevent property damage, and ensure fire safety during the winter months.