Fire Safety For the Holidays

I remember responding to a fire call years ago on Christmas Eve. It was a split-level house in a nicer neighborhood, around midnight, and the temperatures were sub-zero. I had been cuddled up with family watching a Christmas movie, and a fire call was not what I expected.

The house was fully engulfed, and as a young firefighter, this was the first large fire I had ever been to. The roof caved in shortly after we arrived and the sparks sailed high into the air along with a lrge plume of smoke. In that plume was a family’s Christmas…

Everything was gone. I remember as the sun came up, we were still knocking down small fires within the foundation and talking about how we could help this family. They not only had lost their Christmas, but their home.

A rough way to start Christmas morning.

Did you know that each year fires occurring on the holidays claim the lives of over 400 people, injure 1,650 more and cause over $990 Million in damage? This year, despite the distractions and trappings of the holiday, take the time to make sure you have followed some of these simple rules from the United States Fire Administration:

Preventing Christmas Tree Fires

* Christmas Tree Fire Hazards - Movie segments demonstrating how fast a live Christmas tree can become fully engulfed in flames. Special fire safety precautions need to be taken when keeping a live tree in the house. A burning tree can rapidly fill a room with fire and deadly gases.
* Selecting a Tree for the Holiday
Needles on fresh trees should be green and hard to pull back from the branches, and the needle should not break if the tree has been freshly cut. The trunk should be sticky to the touch. Old trees can be identified by bouncing the tree trunk on the ground. If many needles fall off, the tree has been cut too long, has probably dried out, and is a fire hazard.
* Caring for Your Tree
Do not place your tree close to a heat source, including a fireplace or heat vent. The heat will dry out the tree, causing it to be more easily ignited by heat, flame or sparks. Be careful not to drop or flick cigarette ashes near a tree. Do not put your live tree up too early or leave it up for longer than two weeks. Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times.
* Disposing of Your Tree
Never put tree branches or needles in a fireplace or woodburning stove. When the tree becomes dry, discard it promptly. The best way to dispose of your tree is by taking it to a recycling center or having it hauled away by a community pick-up service.

Holiday Lights

* Maintain Your Holiday Lights
Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking or wear before putting them up. Use only lighting listed by an approved testing laboratory.
* Do Not Overload Electrical Outlets
Do not link more than three light strands, unless the directions indicate it is safe. Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet. Make sure to periodically check the wires - they should not be warm to the touch.
* Do Not Leave Holiday Lights on Unattended

Holiday Decorations

* Use Only Nonflammable Decorations
All decorations should be nonflammable or flame-retardant and placed away from heat vents.
* Never Put Wrapping Paper in a Fireplace
It can result in a very large fire, throwing off dangerous sparks and embers and may result in a chimney fire.
* Artificial Christmas Trees
If you are using a metallic or artificial tree, make sure it is flame retardant.

Candle Care

* Avoid Using Lit Candles
If you do use them, make sure they are in stable holders and place them where they cannot be easily knocked down. Never leave the house with candles burning.
* Never Put Lit Candles on a Tree
Do not go near a Christmas tree with an open flame - candles, lighters or matches.

Finally, as in every season, have working smoke alarms installed on every level of your home, test them monthly and keep them clean and equipped with fresh batteries at all times. Know when and how to call for help. And remember to practice your home escape plan.

Make sure that YOU, YOUR FAMILY and YOUR HOME are still there on Christmas morning. Have a safe and happy holiday.