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"The holiday season is a special time
of year, and the last thing we want to see is everything ruined by a
devastating fire," said Illinois State Fire Marshal J.T. Somer.
"Nearly all firefighters have witnessed the heartbreaking way a fire
can destroy a family's holiday in a matter of minutes. Following
some simple, common-sense actions could make the difference between
a memorable holiday season and a nightmare."
Somer said that home fires due to
Christmas trees, candle use and heating equipment make December one
of the peak months for home fires. According to Somer, the following
holiday safety precautions can help you avoid these holiday fire
hazards.
Christmas
tree safety
Many people love the smell and look
of fresh Christmas trees in their homes during the holidays. But
live trees can dry out quickly inside a home, and then they become a
serious fire hazard. The
National
Fire Protection Association reports that Christmas trees are the
first item ignited in nearly 400 fires each year, with lights, cords
and plugs the most common cause of ignition. A dry Christmas tree
can be fully engulfed in flames in as little as 15 seconds, and the
heat of the fire can quickly ignite other items in the room. The
following tips can help you prevent Christmas tree disasters:
- Buy a tree that is freshly cut.
Check the tree before purchasing to ensure it isn't losing
excessive needles, which can indicate dryness.
- Place the tree in a large tree
stand that has an adequate reservoir for water, and keep the tree
as moist as possible by refilling water daily.
- Position the tree at least 3 feet
away from any heat source, such as a radiator, television,
fireplace, heating duct or sunny window.
- Remove the tree from the house
when it begins dropping needles. Dried-out trees are highly
flammable and should not be left in the house or garage or placed
against the house.
- Use Underwriters
Laboratory-approved tree lights, and follow manufacturer's
directions regarding indoor or outdoor use and limitations on the
number of strands that can be connected.
- Don't use lights if the cords are
worn, frayed or broken.
- Always unplug all lights before
going to bed or leaving the house.
- When purchasing an artificial
tree, be sure it is labeled as fire-retardant.
Candle
safety
Candles have become extremely
popular over the past decade, and not surprisingly, the number of
home candle fires has tripled during the same period. According to
the National Fire Protection Association, an estimated 18,000 home
fires started by candles were reported to public fire departments in
2001, the most recent year for which data are available, resulting
in nearly 200 deaths, more than 1,400 injuries and approximately
$265 million in property loss. By far, more candle fires occur in
December than any other month, with Christmas Day, New Year's Day
and Christmas Eve the top three days of the year for reported candle
fires.
Candles
can be used safely by following these simple tips:
- Extinguish all candles when
leaving the room or going to sleep.
- Keep candles away from items that
can catch fire, such as clothing, books, paper, curtains,
Christmas trees and flammable decorations.
- Place candles on a sturdy,
uncluttered surface, and do not use candles in places where they
could be knocked over by children or pets.
- Keep candles and all open flames
away from flammable liquids.
- Avoid candles with combustible
items embedded in them.
- Keep candles up high, out of
reach of children.
- Never use a candle for a light
when checking a pilot light or fueling equipment such as a
kerosene heater or lantern. The flame may ignite the fumes.
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Turkey
fryer safety
Turkey
deep fryers have become very popular in recent years, yet because of
the many fire and injury risks associated with the fryers, both the
National Fire Protection Association and the American Burn
Association discourage their use. The fryers have a risk of tipping
over, overheating or spilling hot oil, all of which can lead to
fires and serious burns. Dangers include:
- When the turkey is placed in the
hot oil, oil may spill onto the burner, starting a fire.
- The units can tip over, spilling
hot, scalding oil onto anyone or anything nearby.
- Some units do not have automatic
thermostat controls to regulate the temperature of the oil, so the
oil may heat to the point of boiling over and catching fire.
- The sides, lids and handles can
get extremely hot and may cause burns.
If a turkey fryer is used, be sure
to carefully follow all of the manufacturer's directions. In
addition, the fryer should always be used outside the house, away
from any structures or combustible materials.
Fireplace, wood-burning stove and home heater safety
Even after the last holiday decoration
has been put away, there are still home fire hazards associated with
fireplaces, wood-burning stoves and home heaters.
- Chimneys should be inspected and
cleaned by a qualified chimney sweep before the winter season
begins.
- Keep the screen closed at all
times, except when tending the fire. Sparks from fireplaces and
wood-burning stoves are a common cause of residential fires.
- Dispose of fireplace ashes in a
metal container, away from the house or any combustible materials.
- Make sure the fire is out before
you leave the house or go to bed.
- Keep flammable decorations,
including stockings hanging from the mantel, away from the
fireplace or wood stove.
- The use of non-vented kerosene
heaters is not recommended.
For more information about holiday
fire safety, visit
www.state.il.us/osfm.
[News release from the
Office of the Illinois State Fire
Marshal]
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