Holiday lights can pose fire hazard
Published 10:31 pm Thursday, November 27, 2008
Holiday lights and decorations can bring sparkle and cheer.
But electric lights, Christmas trees and candles also pose serious fire threats, officials warn.
As people dust off decorations that have been sitting in storage and get ready to enjoy the December holidays, a few safety tips will help lower the risk of a tragedy.
“There’s so many messages we want to get out there for families,” Marysville Fire District spokeswoman Kristen Thorstenson said.
Each year during the holidays, fires kill 400 people nationally, injure 1,650 more, and cause about $990 million in damage, according to the U.S. Fire Administration .
Most problems begin in the kitchen, officials say.
“Burns are a huge issue,” Thorstenson said. “Be careful with little kids and hot foods and placing hot items on counters.”
Family guests and partygoers can distract cooks, so it’s important to pay close attention to what’s on the stove and in the oven.
Problems can spark elsewhere in the home, too.
When fresh-cut trees are used, they need to be watered regularly to prevent them from drying out, Snohomish County Fire District 1 spokeswoman Leslie Hynes said. Keep trees away from fireplaces and heat sources.
Candles should never be left burning unattended, she said.
“You want to make sure you keep candles away from decorations and out of reach of children who might be tempted to play with them,” Hynes said. “If you’re using candles make sure they’re in a secure, nonflammable base that won’t tip over easily.”
As people pull long strings of holiday lights out of boxes, make sure they’re in good working order.
If the lights look worn, replace them, Hynes said.
And, never plug too many lights or appliances into one power outlet or extension cord, Thorstenson said.
“This time of year it is easy to get caught in the excitement of holiday lights,” she said. “It doesn’t take much to overload an extension cord.”
Reporter Jackson Holtz: 425-339-3437 or jholtz@heraldnet.com.
Holiday safety tips
Officials want people to enjoy the December holidays safely. As you decorate your home, remember these safety tips:
n Christmas trees can burn quickly. Keep freshly cut Christmas trees well watered and place them away from flammables and heat sources.
n Inspect holiday lights for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking or wear before putting them up. If they look bad, replace them.
n Don’t overload outlets. Do not link more than three light strands, unless the directions say it’s safe.
n Make sure candles are in stable holders and place them where they cannot be easily knocked down. Never leave candles burning unattended.
n Use extra caution in the kitchen. Keep an eye on children to prevent burns and don’t leave food on the stove.
Source: U.S. Fire Administration and Snohomish County fire officials
