 "By understanding where potential hazards exist, and making some
minor adjustments, people can greatly increase their homes' and
loved ones' safety for a worry-free celebration," said State Fire
Marshal Larry Matkaitis.
The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal offers the
following facts and advice about the leading causes of holiday
fires:
Cooking
Cooking equipment fires are the leading cause of home fires and
fire injuries and the third-leading cause of home fire deaths. In
2008, the number of home cooking equipment fires nationally was 55
percent higher on Christmas Eve and 68 percent higher on Christmas
Day as compared with an average day.
-
Stay in the
kitchen while you're frying, grilling or broiling food.
-
Most cooking fires
involve the stovetop. Keep anything that can catch fire away
from it, and turn off the stove when you leave the kitchen, even
if it's for a short period of time.
-
If you're
simmering, boiling, baking or roasting food, check it regularly
and use a timer to remind you that you're cooking.
-
For homes with children, create a
"kid-free zone" of at least 3 feet around the stove and areas
where hot food and drinks are prepared or carried.
Christmas trees
Annually in the U.S., fire departments respond to roughly 260
home structure fires that began with Christmas trees. Of these
fires, 1 in 3 is caused by electrical problems, and 1 in 5 resulted
from a heat source that was too close to the tree.
-
If you have an
artificial tree, be sure it's labeled, certified or identified
by the manufacturer as fire-retardant.
-
If you choose a
fresh tree, make sure the green needles don't fall off when
touched. Before placing it in the 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 3 feet away from any
heat source, like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or
lights.
-
Use lights that
have the label of an independent testing laboratory, and make
sure you know whether the lights are designed for indoor or
outdoor use.
-
Replace any string
of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections.
Connect no more than three strands of mini-string sets and a
maximum of 50 bulbs for screw-in bulbs.
-
Never use lit
candles to decorate the tree. Read the manufacturer's
instructions for the number of LED strands it is safe to
connect.
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-
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.
-
Bring outdoor electrical lights inside
after the holidays to prevent hazards and to make them last
longer.
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 they
are placed too close to combustible household items (i.e., curtains,
lamp shades, other fabrics, plastic) and holiday decorations (i.e.,
trees, garland, stockings, wrapping paper, wrapped and 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 candle holders
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.
For more information about fire safety and prevention, visit
www.state.il.us/osfm or
www.nfpa.org.
[Text from
Office of the State Fire
Marshal
file received from
the
Illinois Office of
Communication and Information]
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