Don’t let your property be a holiday fire statistic! Nearly 47,000 fires occur during the Christmas season causing more than 500 deaths and 2,200 injuries. The cost is over $500 million in property damage. Most can be prevented by following some simple safety tips.
- Test your smoke alarm to ensure that it is working. Replace the batteries every year. Having a working smoke alarm increases one’s chances of surviving a fire by nearly 50%.
- If you use a natural tree, select a fresh cut tree with green needles that aren’t easily broken, and branches that are hard to pull back and do not break. The trunk of the tree should be stick to the touch. Place the tree at least three feet away from any source of heat which can cause the tree to dry out quickly. Make sure to water the tree daily. A dry tree has a higher fire risk. Use a flame retardant artificial tree.
- Inspect your lights for any problems such as frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets. If any of these things are found replace these light strands and do not use them.
- More than three light strands in one outlet can overload an outlet. Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet. Periodically check the wires of the lights to ensure they are not warm to the touch.
- Never use lit candles to decorate a tree. Use flame retardant ornaments to decorate.
- Always extinguish candles before leaving the room or going to bed.
- Always unplug tree and holiday lights before leaving home or going to bed.
Following these safety tips can help you and your loved ones have a safe holiday season. Call Fire Control Systems for your holiday safety needs.
