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Simple steps can help prevent holiday fires

December 6, 2022 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Here are some pointers from the National Fire Protection Association, to help you to keep the season merry and bright — and avoid the dangers of a holiday fire.

When decorating

  • Choose decorations that are flame-resistant or flame-retardant.
  • Keep lit candles away from decorations and other items that can catch fire.
  • Pay attention to the holiday lights you are using and where you display them: Some lights are for indoor or outdoor use, but not both.
  • Replace any string of lights that has worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections.
  • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the number of light strands to connect.
  • Use clips, not nails, to hang lights to avoid damaging cords.
  • Keep decorations away from windows and doors.

When entertaining

  • Test your smoke alarms and tell guests about how to evacuate safely, in case of a fire.
  • Keep children and pets away from lit candles.
  • Keep matches and lighters stored high.
  • Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop.
  • Ask smokers to smoke outside. Remind smokers to keep their smoking materials with them to prevent young children from touching them.
  • Provide large, deep ashtrays for smokers. Be sure to moisten cigarette butts with water, before discarding them.

Before heading to bed

  • Blow out lit candles when leaving a room, or going to bed.
  • Turn off all holiday lights and decorations before leaving home or going to bed.

Reminder: Be very careful with candles
More than one-third of home decoration fires are started by candles. Nearly half of all fires involving holiday decorations occur because the decorations are placed too close to a heat source.

Pointers to prevent Christmas tree fires

  • Choose a Christmas tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched.
  • Cut 2 inches from the base of the trunk before putting the tree in its stand, to help it absorb water.
  • Be sure your tree is at least 3 feet away from any heat source, such as a fireplace, radiator, candle, or heat vent.
  • Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit.
  • Once you’ve placed the tree, add water to the tree stand. Be sure to add water daily.
  • When adding lights to the tree, be sure the lights are listed by a qualified testing laboratory. Pay attention to what type of lights you are using. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, while others can be used for both.
  • Pay attention to how many light strands can be safely connected (read manufacturer instructions).
  • Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.
  • Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.
  • Be sure to keep your Christmas tree watered through the holidays. After the holidays, dispose of it.
  • Remember that dried-out trees are a fire danger and should not be left in the home or garage, or placed outside against the home.

Published December 07, 2022

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