Holiday Fire Safety

Fire safety is especially important around the holidays. It’s during this time that we do many things differently.

Deck the halls! For many people, that means a tree. A small fire that spreads to a Christmas tree can grow large very quickly! Trees need hydration. When choosing a live tree, look for fresh, green needles that don’t fall off when touched. Heat inside the house can dry out your live tree. Position your tree at least 3 feet from heat (fireplaces, candles, heat vents and lights). Always turn off lights when leaving home or going to bed.
Fire Fact: One in every three home Christmas tree fires are caused by electrical problems.

The kitchen is the heart of the home, especially during the holidays. We tend to congregate in the kitchen while cooking or just to hang out and talk. We usually cook more often, and we also tend to cook items that are not our “go to” weekly recipes. Wearing tight-fitting clothes is important, not to “impress” your guests, but to avoid your garments getting hung up on pot handles or igniting near gas stoves.

A “Kid Safe Zone” should be established near the stove. Small children should remain at least 36” away. Having an extinguisher nearby is also recommended.
Fire Fact: Cooking equipment is the leading cause of reported home structure fires and injuries.

As the weather turns cold, we try to keep warm with heaters — electronic and gas. Again, you need a 36” clearance around all heaters and furnaces. Never leave them on when you’re not home.
Fire Fact: Heating equipment is the second leading cause of home fires and home fire deaths.

Be prepared! In the event of a fire, be sure that it will not be the first time you have practiced an evacuation plan. Having a meeting place outside the home, and regularly practicing home escape plans will create confidence in your entire family. Testing your smoke alarms monthly, and replacing the batteries annually will allow early warning for safe escape. Smoke alarms save lives! Talk to your children about how to stay low and go!
Fire Fact: Almost two-thirds of home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.

Other important fire safety topics include:

• Have carbon monoxide detectors in your home.
• Have your chimney cleaned regularly, and keep a screen on the front to catch flying embers.
• Keep kerosene or other flammable liquids stored in approved metal containers, well ventilated areas and outside of the living space.
• Inspect cords, and check to see if they have an auto shut off in the event of device tip-over.
  Fire Fact: The peak months for home fires that cause child casualties are December through February.

For further safety information and additional safety tips, visit NFPA.org/safety-information