Holiday Fire Prevention 2006
According to the United States Fire Administration (USFA), an annual
average of 128,700 fires occurred during the month of December from
2002 to 2004. These fires were responsible for an estimated 415
civilian fire deaths, 1,650 civilian fire injuries and $990 million
in property loss.
As part of an USFA report, officials concluded that cooking is
the leading cause of residential building fires in December followed
by heating and open flame. Cooking fires routinely start to increase
around Thanksgiving and peak in December with Christmas Day having
the most cooking fires. December also has the highest incidence
of children playing fires where candles are the heat source.
Cooking
Safety Tips
With us in the middle of the holiday season, Wylie Fire Marshal
Steve Seddig would like to remind residents to take extra precautions
to prevent holiday-related fires.
“The holidays are supposed to be a special and joyous time;
and by utilizing some simple safety tips, a family can prevent the
potential tragedy of a holiday fire;” Seddig shared.
The USFA recommends the following safety tips.
Keep the Christmas Tree Watered - Christmas trees
account for 200 fires annually, resulting in 6 deaths, 25 injuries
and more than $6 million in property damage. Well-watered trees
are not a problem, while dry and neglected trees can be.
Proper Tree Care – Do not place your tree
close to a heat source, including a fireplace or heat vent. Do not
put your live tree up too early or leave it up for longer than two
weeks.
Artificial Christmas Trees – If using a
metallic or artificial tree, make sure it is flame retardant.
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.
Use Only Nonflammable Decorations – All
decorations should be nonflammable or flame-retardant and placed
away from heat vents.
Avoid Using Lit Candles – If using candles,
make sure they are in stable holders and place them where they cannot
be easily knocked down. Never leave the house with candles burning.
Ensure Smoke Alarms Working – As in every
season, have working smoke alarms installed on every level of your
home, test them monthly, keep them clean and equipped with fresh
batteries
USFA Fire Safety
Tips
Updated December 12, 2006
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