 In Illinois, from 2005 to this year, 122 fires have been associated
with holiday decorations and Christmas trees, with 28 of those fires
happening last year. According to the National Fire Protection
Association, electrical failures and malfunctions of Christmas
lighting are found in 33 percent of structure fires during the
Christmas season. Approximately 150 home fires in the United States
during this season are linked to the same cause. Almost half of
these fires occurred in December."Using common sense while
decorating is vital during this season," said State Fire Marshal
Larry Matkaitis. "Simply inspecting old holiday lights and
decorations before using them could be the difference between life
and tragedy."
The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal offers the
following tips to consumers:
Christmas trees
-
When using an
artificial tree, be sure it is labeled, certified or identified
by the manufacturer as UL-listed.
-
When using a fresh
tree, make sure the green needles don't fall off when touched,
which could mean the tree is brittle and dry, making it
hazardous. Before placing the tree in a stand, cut 1 to 2 inches
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, such as fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents
or space heaters.
-
Always turn off
Christmas tree lights before leaving the room or going to bed.
-
After Christmas, get rid of the tree.
Dried-out trees are a fire hazard and should not be left in the
home or garage or placed outside the home.
Christmas 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 with worn
or broken cords or loose bulb connections.
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-
Connect no more
than three strands of mini-string sets and a maximum of 50 bulbs
for screw-in bulbs.
-
Read the
manufacturer's instructions for the number of LED strands safe
to connect.
-
Never use lit
candles to decorate the tree.
-
Bring outdoor
electrical lights inside after the holidays to prevent hazards
and make them last longer.
-
Keep a fire extinguisher close by.
Candles
December is the peak month for home candle fires, with Christmas
Eve and Christmas Day representing two of the top five days for
associated fires. More than half of all candle fires start when
candles are placed too close to combustible household items (i.e.,
curtains, lamp shades, other fabrics and plastic) and holiday
decorations (i.e., trees, garland, stockings, wrapping paper and
wrapped, boxed gifts).
-
Consider using
flameless candles, which look and smell like real candles.
-
If you do use
traditional candles, keep them at least 12 inches away from
anything that can burn, and remember to blow them out when you
leave the room or go to bed.
-
Use candleholders
that are sturdy, won't tip over and are placed on uncluttered
surfaces.
-
Avoid using
candles in the bedroom, where 2 of 5 U.S. candle fires begin, or
other areas where people may fall asleep.
-
Never leave a
child alone in a room with a burning candle.
-
Always put candles
out before leaving the room.
-
Keep a fire extinguisher close by.
For more information about fire safety and prevention, visit
www.sfm.illinois.gov or
www.nfpa.org.
[Text from
Office of the State Fire
Marshal file
received from the
Illinois Office of
Communication and Information] |
