Holiday Fire Safety
Fire Safety has always been a concern in our house. That has been my worst fear – to come home and see my house up in flames. We have a smoke alarm and have taken precautions to prevent fires but sometimes I don’t think we do enough.
During the holiday season it is easy to get caught up in the fun to forget that you are at a greater risk of fires because of things like added lighting, electrical decorations, fires burning in the fireplace, and candles.
My sons who are in the Marine Corps have decided that once they get out next year they are going to pursue a career as a firefighter so you will be hearing more about fire safety from me in the future.
Mom Central and Liberty Mutual want you to be aware of the potential dangers of fire, especially during the holiday season. Liberty Mutual has put together a great site called Be Fire Smart that teaches children, parents, and educators about fire safety.
Fire Safety Can Be Fun!
See how Liberty Mutual brings fire safety to life at “Where’s the Fire?” – the nation’s largest interactive fire safety education experience – at INNOVENTIONS at Epcot® at the Walt Disney® Resort in Florida.
Enter the Liberty Mutual Fire Smart Sweepstakes for your chance to win a 4-day/3-night trip for four people to the Walt Disney World® Resort. You can visit “Where’s the Fire?” — the nation’s largest interactive fire safety education experience – at INNOVENTIONS at Epcot® at the Walt Disney World® Resort in Florida.
Liberty Mutual also hosts fun videos on their site, www.befiresmart.com, as well as games and activities such as a free downloadable coloring book help children learn how to spot potential fire risks and help to keep their families safe.
The 2006 Fire Safety Census, conducted by Liberty Mutual and the International Association of Fire Fighters, reports that 75 percent of more than 1,000 Americans (ages 25+) polled are concerned about fire in the home. Yet, despite this anxiety, the survey further reveals that many Americans are dangerously negligent when it comes to taking fire precautions and are largely uninformed about what to do if a fire occurs.
They found some surprising results:
- home fires rank highest on their list of top disaster concerns
- despite 90 percent of Americans expressing a basic understanding of the importance fire safety measures (smoke alarms, fire extinguisher, fire escape plan)
- 7 million Americans do not own a smoke alarm
- 37 million Americans do not own a fire extinguisher
- 50 million Americans do not have a fire escape plan
- 85 percent know that most home fires start in the kitchen
- 26 percent say they have left food cooking on the stove or in the oven unattended
- 16 percent have gone so far as to disable a smoke alarm while cooking
- 41 percent report leaving the clothes dryer running when not at home
- 32 percent report leaving their holiday lights on when not at home
- 12 percent admit they leave burning candles unattended
More Americans die in home fires each year than all natural disasters combined. And children are particularly vulnerable, especially those under 5, who are twice as likely to die in a fire as the rest of the population.
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, nearly 47,000 household fires occur during the holidays each year. Misplaced or dry decorations mixed with fires and candles can lead to injuries, the loss of property, and even to lost lives, a tragedy which most families fail to consider amidst their festive holiday planning.
Each year fires occurring during the holiday season claim the lives of over 400 people, injure 1,650 more, and cause over $990 million in damage. According to the United States Fire Administration (USFA), there are simple life-saving steps you can take to ensure a safe and happy holiday. By following some of the outlined precautionary tips, individuals can greatly reduce their chances of becoming a holiday fire casualty.
Preventing Christmas Tree Fires
- Christmas Tree Fire Hazards – Movie segments demonstrating how fast a live Christmas tree can become fully engulfed in flames. Special fire safety precautions need to be taken when keeping a live tree in the house. A burning tree can rapidly fill a room with fire and deadly gases.
- Selecting a Tree for the Holiday
Needles on fresh trees should be green and hard to pull back from the branches, and the needle should not break if the tree has been freshly cut. The trunk should be sticky to the touch. Old trees can be identified by bouncing the tree trunk on the ground. If many needles fall off, the tree has been cut too long, has probably dried out, and is a fire hazard. - Caring for Your Tree
Do not place your tree close to a heat source, including a fireplace or heat vent. The heat will dry out the tree, causing it to be more easily ignited by heat, flame or sparks. Be careful not to drop or flick cigarette ashes near a tree. Do not put your live tree up too early or leave it up for longer than two weeks. Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times. - Disposing of Your Tree
Never put tree branches or needles in a fireplace or woodburning stove. When the tree becomes dry, discard it promptly. The best way to dispose of your tree is by taking it to a recycling center or having it hauled away by a community pick-up service.
Holiday Lights
- Maintain Your Holiday Lights
Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking or wear before putting them up. Use only lighting listed by an approved testing laboratory. - Do Not Overload Electrical Outlets
Do not link more than three light strands, unless the directions indicate it is safe. Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet. Make sure to periodically check the wires – they should not be warm to the touch. - Do Not Leave Holiday Lights on Unattended
Holiday Decorations
- Use Only Nonflammable Decorations
All decorations should be nonflammable or flame-retardant and placed away from heat vents. - Never Put Wrapping Paper in a Fireplace
It can result in a very large fire, throwing off dangerous sparks and embers and may result in a chimney fire. - Artificial Christmas Trees
If you are using a metallic or artificial tree, make sure it is flame retardant.
Candle Care
- Avoid Using Lit Candles
If you do use them, make sure they are in stable holders and place them where they cannot be easily knocked down. Never leave the house with candles burning. - Never Put Lit Candles on a Tree
Do not go near a Christmas tree with an open flame – candles, lighters or matches.
Finally, as in every season, have working smoke alarms installed on every level of your home, test them monthly and keep them clean and equipped with fresh batteries at all times. Know when and how to call for help. And remember to practice your home escape plan.
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