Editor's note: Article was provided by Directorate of Emergency Services.
Christmas is a time for cheer but is also a time for fire hazards. All the candles, Christmas trees, electrical decorations and cooking contribute to an increased number of home fires during the month of December. It’s one of the worst months for home fires in the U.S. On average, holiday decoration fires per year cause 20 civilian deaths, 40 civilian injuries and $25.3 million in property damage. Keep these tips in mind during this season.
Holiday decorating
· Be careful with holiday decorations. Choose decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant.
· Keep lit candles away from decorations and other things that can burn.
· Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both.
· Replace any string 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 cords 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 lit candles.
· 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.
Before heading out or to bed
· Blow out lit candles when you leave the room or go to bed.
· Turn off all light strings and decorations before leaving home or going to bed.
Winter holiday fires by the numbers
· Electrical distribution or lighting equipment was involved in 43% of home Christmas tree fires.
· Two of every five (40%) home Christmas tree fires started in the living room, family room or den. All the fatalities and roughly three-quarters (72%) of the injuries resulted from fires started in this area.
· The top three days for home candle fires are Christmas, Christmas Eve, and New Year’s Eve.
Discuss with family members how to call 9-1-1 for help if there is a fire or other emergency. If a fire starts in your home, escape to a neighbor’s house, then call 9-1-1. Give the dispatcher your name, address, phone number and describe the type of emergency. Be clear and try to relax when answering questions from the dispatcher; confused answers could delay the fire department’s arrival. Always wait for the dispatcher to hang up before you hang up. Meet the arriving emergency crews to let them know if everyone is safe.
Following these tips will ensure a happy and fire-safe holiday season. Fort Carson Fire and Emergency Services are available for any fire safety questions. Visit www.nfpa.org/holiday for more information and safety tips or contact the Fire prevention Office at 719-503-3473.
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