Winter holidays are a time for families and friends to get together. This also means a greater risk for fires. More than two of every five decoration fires happen because decorations are placed too close to heat sources, and more than one third of home decoration fires are started by candles. Following a few simple tips will help 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.
- Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both.
- Use clips or hooks (not nails) to hang lights so the cords do not get damaged.
- Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that burns. Make sure they are in stable holders and place them where they cannot get knocked down easily or come in contact with combustible items such as curtains. Extinguish candles when you leave the room or go to bed.
- Keep children and pets away from lit candles.
- When picking a live Christmas tree, choose one with fresh green needles that do not fall off when touched. Before placing the tree in the stand, cut 2 inches from the base of the trunk.
- Water your Christmas tree every day and maintain it at least 3 feet from any heat sources like fireplaces, radiators, space heaters, candles or heat vents. Remove your tree after Christmas or when it is dry and never leave a dried out tree in the home or garage or placed outside against the home.
- Test your smoke detectors to insure they are in working order.
- Review your family home fire escape plan, and update if needed.
The members of The Suffield Fire Department wish you and your family a safe and healthy Holiday Season and New Year.