Winter Holiday Fire Safety
Winter holidays are a time for families and friends to get together. This also means there is a greater risk of fires. More than two of every five decoration fires happen because decorations are placed too close to heat sources. Following a few simple tips will ensure a happy and fire-safe holiday season.
- Be careful with holiday decorations. Choose decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant.
- Keep decorations away from (not blocking) windows and doors.
- Replace any string of lights with worn, broken or pinched cords or loose bulb connections. Read manufacturer’s instructions for the number of light strands that can be connected together. Turn off all light strings and decorations before leaving home or going to bed.
- Use clips or hooks (not nails) to hang lights so the cords do not get damaged.
- Keep candles at least twelve inches away from anything that burns. Make sure they are in stable holders and place them where they cannot get knocked down easily. Extinguish candles when you leave the room or go to bed.
- Keep children and pets away from lit candles.
- Water your Christmas tree every day and maintain it at least three feet from any heat sources like fireplaces, radiators, space heaters, candles or heat vents. Remove your Christmas tree after Christmas or when it is dry.
- Test your smoke detectors to ensure they are in working order.
The members of the Suffield Fire Department wish you and your family a safe holiday season and New Year.