Statistics show that the incidence of house fires increases during the winter holiday season — fueled in part by holiday decorations, candles and Christmas trees. Fires caused by candles increase fourfold during the holidays and each year some 200 house fires occur where Christmas trees are the initial source of ignition. According to the United States Fire Administration (USFA) house fires during the winter holiday season kill about 500 and injure about 2,000 people, and cause more than $500 million in damage.
Northshore Fire Department offers the following tips for keeping you and yours safe during the holiday season:
• Select a fresh Christmas tree that is kept in water at all times. Needles on fresh trees should be green and should not fall off easily. Don’t put your tree up too early or leave it up longer than two weeks. Dried out Christmas trees can ignite easily and boost a fire by spreading it rapidly to nearby combustible materials.
• Place your Christmas tree in a safe place, away from heat sources such as a fireplace or heat vent.
• Maintain your holiday lights. Inspect your lights before you use them to ensure they don’t have frayed wires, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets or excessive wear. Only use lighting that is listed by an approved testing laboratory and don’t leave the lights on when you’re not home.
• Avoid overloading electrical outlets. Don’t link more than three light strands unless the directions indicate it is safe. Periodically check the wires. They should not be warm to the touch.
• Use only nonflammable decorations that are placed away from heat vents and if you’re using an artificial tree, make sure that it’s flame retardant.
• Avoid using candles. If you do use candles, ensure they are in a stable holder and place them where they cannot be easily knocked down. Do not leave lit candles unattended, never put candles on a Christmas tree and never leave the house with candles burning.
The USFA cautions that it is also important to know that fires caused by children increase during the holiday season. According to the National Fire Incident Reporting System, children will cause close to 60 house fires a day in mid-December, with another sharp increase on New Year’s Day. Northshore Fire Department urges parents to take precautions to prevent such tragedies.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
