HONOLULU -- The Federal Fire Department would like to provide some winter holiday safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association.
Winter holidays are a time for families and friends to get together. But that also means greater risk for fire. Following a few simple tips will ensure a happy and fire safe holiday season.
Holiday Decorating:
- Be careful with holiday decorations. Choose decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant.
- Keep candles away from decorations and other things that can burn.
- Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both.
- Replace any strings of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Read manufacturer’s instructions for number of light strands to connect.
- Use clips, not nails, to hang lights so the cord do not get damaged.
- Keep decorations away from windows and doors.
Holiday Entertaining:
- Test your smoke alarms and tell guests about your home fire escape plan.
- Keep children and pets away from candles.
- Keep matches and lighters up high in a locked cabinet.
- Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop.
- Ask smokers to smoke outside. Remind smokers to keep their smoking materials with them so young children do not touch them.
- Provide large deep ashtrays for smokers. Wet cigarette butts with water before discarding.
Christmas Tree Safety:
- Choose a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched.
- Before placing a tree in the stand, cut 2 inches from the base of the trunk.
- Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights.
- Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit.
- Add water to the tree stand. Be sure to add water daily.
- Use lights that are listed by a qualified testing laboratory, like UL or Underwriters Laboratory.
After Christmas
- Get rid of the tree after Christmas or when it is dry.
- Dried-out trees are a fire danger and should not be left in the home or garage, or places against the home.
- Check with your local community to find a recycling program.
- Bring outdoor electrical lights inside after the holidays to prevent hazards and make them last longer.
Facts:
- More than one-third of home decoration fires are started by candles.
- Almost one-third of home Christmas tree fires are caused by electrical problems.
- Although Christmas tree fires are not common, when they do occur, they are more likely to be serious.
- Christmas is the peak day for candle fires.
- More than two of every five fires happen because decorations are placed too close to a heat source.
Before heading out or to bed:
- Blow out lit candles when you leave the room or got to bed.
- Turn off all light strings and decorations before leaving home or going to bed.
Please contact Battalion Chief Al Balderama at (808) 471-8004 or albert.d.balderama.civ@us.navy.mil for more information about Holiday Fire Safety.
Fire safety information referenced from National Fire Protection Association. There are more additional fire safety tips, please visit https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Seasonal-fire-causes/Winter-holidays.
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