December 4, 2014 For most of us, the holiday season represents a time for family festivities and good cheer. What few of us consider is that the holiday season is a time when there is an increased risk of home fires. Many households engage in holiday activities that serve as some of the leading causes of home fires, including cooking. Christmas trees, candle usage and holiday decorations also significantly contribute to the seasonal causes of home fires. Add to that the hectic nature of the holidays, when people are trying to accomplish multiple tasks and the chance for home fires grows even more.
“As everyone gets busier during the holidays, we often become rushed, distracted or tired,” says” Lieutenant Rancourt of Brattleboro Fire Department. “That’s when home fires are more likely to occur.”
Fortunately, with a little added awareness and some minor adjustments to holiday cooking and decorating, the season can remain festive and safe for everybody. “By taking some preventative steps and following simple rules of thumb, most home fires can be prevented,” says Rancourt.
With unattended cooking as the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries, stay in the kitchen while you’re frying, grilling or broiling food. Most cooking fires involve the stovetop, so keep anything that can catch fire away from it, and turn off the stove when you leave the kitchen, even if it’s for a short period of time, check cooking food regularly and use a timer to remind you that you’re cooking. Brattleboro Fire Department also suggests creating a “kid-free zone” of at least three feet around the stove and areas where hot food and drinks are prepared or carried.
According to NFPA, fire departments respond to 230 home structure fires caused by Christmas trees each year. One of every three of them is caused by electrical problems, and one in five resulted from a heat source that’s too close to the tree. Brattleboro Fire Department offers the following advice for picking, placing and lighting the tree:
If you have an artificial tree, be sure it’s labeled, certified or identified by the manufacturer as fire-retardant.
If you choose a fresh tree, make sure the green needles don’t fall off when touched; before placing it in the stand, cut 1-2” from the base of the trunk. Add water to the tree stand, and be sure to water it daily.
Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit, and is at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, space heaters, radiators, candles and heat vents or lights.
Use lights that have the label of an independent testing laboratory, and make sure you know whether they are designed for indoor or outdoor use.
Replace any string of lights having worn or broken cords, or loose bulb connections. Connect no more than three strands of mini-string sets and a maximum of 50 bulbs for screw-in bulbs.
Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.
Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving the home or going to bed.
After Christmas, properly remove the tree. Dried-out trees are a fire hazard and should not be left in the home or garage, or placed outside the home.
Store outdoor electrical lights inside after the holidays to prevent hazards and make them last longer.
Candles are widely used in homes throughout the holidays, and December is the peak month for home candle fires. National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) statistics show that two of every five home decoration fires are started by candles. We encourage residents to consider using flameless candles, which look and smell like real candles. However, if you do use traditional candles, keep them at least 12” away from anything that can burn, and remember to blow them out when you leave the room or go to bed. Use candle holders that are sturdy, won’t tip over and are placed on uncluttered surfaces. Avoid using candles in the bedroom where one-third of candle fires begin or other areas where people may fall asleep. Lastly, never leave a child alone in a room with a burning candle.
General Rules for Heating Your Home
1. Select heating equipment that is rated by the manufacturer for the size space you intend to heat.
2. Have any installation done by a professional, and make sure all fuel-burning equipment is vented to the outside.
3. Keep your heating equipment and anything that can burn at least 3 feet apart.
4. Have your heating equipment inspected and cleaned every fall just before heating season.
5. Never use or store flammable or combustible liquids near or in rooms with heaters.
6. Install carbon monoxide alarms in your home.
7. Cooking appliances should not be used to heat a home
Reminder after a snowfall, clear a three-foot radius around fire hydrants and fire alarm boxes near your home. Every second counts!
By following these fire prevention tips and measure, Brattleboro Fire Department says you can greatly reduce the risk of fire in your home, and enjoy a safe holiday season. “The holidays can quickly turn from joyful to tragic when a fire occurs, “By taking simple precautions, people can avoid potential fire hazards, and make this time of year a healthy and happy one.”
Visit www.nfpa.org/holiday for more information and safety tips.
