WINTER HOLIDAY SAFETY

PLACE HOLDER - Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends and feasts. This may mean you will be spending more time than usual in the kitchen. Cooking is the main cause of home fires any time of the year but it is especially common on Thanksgiving. The average number of home fires in residential buildings on this day is often double the number of home fires throughout the rest of the year.

WINTER HOLDAY SAFETY TIPS

  • Check Smoke Alarms: Make sure your smoke alarms are in working order. Test them monthly and change the batteries at least once a year.

  • Inspect Decorations: Before using any decorations, inspect them for damage, wear, or frayed wires. Discard or repair damaged items.

  • Candles:

    • Consider using flameless LED candles instead of traditional candles to eliminate the risk of open flames.

    • If you use traditional candles, place them in sturdy, non-flammable candle holders and never leave them unattended.

    • Keep candles away from flammable materials and out of reach of children and pets.

  • Christmas Trees:

    • If you have a real tree, keep it well-watered to prevent it from drying out and becoming a fire hazard.

    • Ensure the tree is securely placed in a sturdy stand.

    • Position the tree away from heat sources such as fireplaces, radiators, and heating vents.

  • Fireplace Safety:

    • Use a fireplace screen to contain sparks and embers.

    • Keep flammable items, such as stockings and decorations, away from the fireplace.

    • Dispose of ashes in a metal container with a lid, placed outside and away from the house.

  • Space Heaters: If using space heaters, keep them at least three feet away from flammable materials, such as curtains and decorations. Never leave them unattended and turn them off when you leave a room or go to bed.

  • Extension Cords: Avoid overloading extension cords and use only those rated for the intended purpose. Keep cords away from high-traffic areas to prevent tripping hazards.

  • Fire Extinguisher: Have a working fire extinguisher readily accessible and make sure family members know how to use it.

  • Emergency Plan: Develop and review a fire emergency plan with your family, including an escape route, meeting point, and emergency contact numbers.

  • Cooking Safety: Be vigilant when cooking holiday meals. Unattended cooking is a common cause of fires. Keep flammable items away from the stove.

  • Decorations: Avoid using highly flammable decorations near heat sources, and don't block exits or escape routes with decorations.

  • Keep Matches and Lighters Secure: If you have young children, store matches and lighters out of their reach to prevent accidental fires.

  • Outdoor Decorations: When using outdoor lights and decorations, ensure they are rated for outdoor use and avoid overloading outdoor circuits.

  • Clear Snow from Exits: In areas with winter weather, regularly clear snow and ice from walkways and exits to ensure easy evacuation in case of an emergency.

Winter holidays, including Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year's, often involve various activities and decorations that can pose fire hazards. Here are some winter holiday fire safety tips to help keep your home safe during this festive season:

Please take a moment to view this video from the NFPA for Christmas Safety Tips to keep you safe!

LIGHTING SAFETY


Christmas lights can add a festive and cozy atmosphere to your holiday decorations, but it's important to use them safely to prevent fires and ensure the safety of your home and loved ones. Here are some Christmas lights fire safety tips:

  • Inspect Your Lights: Before you use any Christmas lights, carefully inspect them for frayed wires, damaged sockets, or any signs of wear and tear. Discard any damaged lights.

  • Use UL-Certified Lights: Look for lights that are certified by Underwriters Laboratories (UL). This certification ensures that the lights meet safety standards.

  • Indoor vs. Outdoor Lights: Make sure to use lights that are designed specifically for indoor or outdoor use. Outdoor lights are generally more robust to withstand weather conditions.

  • Don't Overload Circuits: Avoid overloading electrical circuits. Do not connect too many light strings together. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for how many strands can be connected in a series.

  • Extension Cords: If you need to use extension cords, make sure they are rated for the intended use and in good condition. Don't overload extension cords, and avoid running them under rugs or furniture where they can become damaged.

  • Turn Off Lights: Always turn off Christmas lights when you go to bed or leave the house. A timer can help automate this task.

  • LED Lights: Consider using LED lights. They are more energy-efficient and generate less heat than traditional incandescent bulbs, reducing the risk of fire.

  • Candles and Flames: Keep Christmas lights away from open flames, candles, and other heat sources. Do not use lights on or near flammable decorations.

  • Keep Away from Decorations: Ensure that your Christmas lights are not in direct contact with any flammable decorations, such as paper, fabric, or dry foliage.

  • Watering Real Trees: If you have a real Christmas tree, water it regularly to prevent it from becoming dry and more flammable.

  • Secure Lights Properly: Use clips or hangers designed for Christmas lights to secure them in place. Avoid using nails or staples, as they can damage the wiring and create a fire hazard.

  • Store Lights Safely: After the holiday season, store your lights properly. Avoid tangling them, as this can cause damage. Use a dedicated storage container or reel to keep them organized and protected.

  • Educate Children: Teach children about the potential hazards of Christmas lights and the importance of not playing with them.

  • Smoke Alarms and Fire Extinguishers: Make sure your home has working smoke alarms on every level, and have a fire extinguisher handy in case of emergency.

  • Emergency Plan: Have a family emergency plan in place, including an escape plan, in case a fire does occur. Ensure everyone in the family knows what to do.

Please take a moment to view this video from the NFPA for Christmas Light Safety!

CHRISTMAS TREES: FRESH & ARTIFICIAL

FRESH CHRISTMAS TREES

Christmas tree fires can be dangerous and potentially deadly if not handled and maintained properly. Here are some Christmas tree fire safety tips to help keep your holiday season safe:

  • Choose a Fresh Tree: If you're buying a real tree, choose one that is fresh with green needles that don't easily break or fall off. A fresher tree is less likely to catch fire.

  • Keep It Hydrated: Water your real tree daily to prevent it from drying out. Dry trees are more flammable.

  • Position It Safely: Place the tree at least three feet away from any heat sources, such as fireplaces, radiators, candles, or heating vents.

  • Use the Right Stand: Ensure that the tree is securely placed in a sturdy stand to prevent it from tipping over.

  • Check Lights and Decorations: Inspect all lights and decorations for damage before using them. Replace any damaged or frayed cords.

  • Choose Safe Lights: Use only lights that are labeled as safe for indoor use on your tree. Outdoor lights can get too hot and pose a fire hazard.

  • Turn Off Lights: Always turn off tree lights before going to bed or leaving the house. Consider using a timer to automate this.

  • Use Flame-Resistant Decorations: When possible, choose decorations made from flame-resistant materials to reduce the risk of a fire.

  • Be Cautious with Candles: Keep candles away from the tree, and never leave them unattended. Opt for flameless candles for a safer alternative.

  • Secure Ornaments: Hang breakable ornaments out of reach of children and pets to prevent accidents and broken glass that can cause injuries.

  • Dispose of the Tree Promptly: Once the holiday season is over, promptly remove the tree from your home. Don't leave it in your house or garage, as it can continue to dry out and become a fire hazard.

  • Know How to Extinguish a Fire: Have a fire extinguisher nearby and know how to use it. Ensure your smoke detectors are working correctly.

  • Plan an Escape Route: Have a fire escape plan for your home and make sure all family members know it. Practice it regularly.

  • Keep Children and Pets in Mind: Supervise young children around the tree and ornaments. Some decorations can be choking hazards.

  • Stay Informed: Stay updated on the latest fire safety recommendations from your local fire department and other relevant authorities.

ARTIFICIAL CHRISTMAS TREES

While Pre-lit artificial Christmas trees are considered safer than live or fresh trees, they can still pose potential fire hazards if not used and maintained properly. Here are some of the common fire hazards associated with pre-lit artificial Christmas trees:

  • Damaged Wiring: Over time, the electrical wiring on pre-lit trees can become damaged due to wear and tear, bending, or improper storage. Cracked or frayed wires can expose live electrical currents, leading to sparks and fires.

    Overloading Electrical Circuits: Plugging too many pre-lit trees into a single electrical outlet or daisy-chaining multiple trees together can overload the circuit, causing overheating and potentially starting a fire.

    Cheap or Substandard Lights: Some pre-lit trees may come with low-quality or non-certified lights that may not meet safety standards. These lights can overheat or short-circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.

    Overheating: Continuous operation of pre-lit lights for extended periods, especially if they are of poor quality, can cause the lights to overheat, potentially igniting nearby flammable materials, such as the tree's branches or ornaments.

    Poor Quality Tree Material: Artificial trees can be made from various materials, and some lower-quality trees may be more flammable than others. Trees made from PVC or other synthetic materials can release toxic fumes when burned.

    Improper Storage: Storing a pre-lit tree with the lights still attached in a cramped or humid space can damage the wiring and increase the risk of electrical issues and fire when the tree is next used.

    To minimize these fire hazards when using a pre-lit artificial Christmas tree, follow these safety precautions:

    Inspect the Tree: Before setting up the tree, carefully inspect the wiring and lights for any visible damage. If you find any issues, do not use the tree.

    Use a Surge Protector: Plug your pre-lit tree into a surge protector to protect against power surges and overheating.

    Follow Manufacturer's Instructions: Always adhere to the manufacturer's instructions regarding the number of connected trees, wattage, and safety guidelines.

    Limit Operation Time: Avoid leaving the tree's lights on for extended periods. Turn them off when you go to bed or leave the house.

    Store Properly: Store the tree in a dry, cool place when not in use, and consider removing the lights before storage to prevent damage.

    Consider Replacement: If your pre-lit tree is very old or has a history of electrical issues, it may be safer to replace it with a new one.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION & DOWNLOADS

Red Hawk Fire Protection wishes you a joyful, safe Christmas!

For more information visit the NFPA Winter Holidays Website