Fire Safety Tips to Keep the Season Merry

  • Published
  • By 325th Civil Engineer Squadron
  • Fire Protection
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Each holiday season tragedy strikes hundreds of families throughout the United States. Statistics show that fires related to candles, Christmas trees, holiday lighting and portable space heaters cause a dramatic increase in residential fires between Thanksgiving and New Year. While it is easy to get caught up in all of the hustle and bustle of the season, safety should still be at the top of everyone's priority list.

The National Fire Protection Association estimates that Christmas trees, both natural and artificial, were the first ignited items in an estimated average of 250 reported home structure fires per year during 2003-2007. These fires caused an estimated average of 14 civilian deaths, 26 civilian injuries and $13.8 million in direct property damage per year. A major cause for concern is that not all consumers know how to maintain their trees in a safe condition. Improperly cared for trees, if ignited, can become engulfed in flames within seconds. Here are some good tips to follow:

· Make a fresh cut in the trunk and place the tree in water as soon as you get it home. Most trees have been dormant for a couple of months and will absorb most of their water within six to eight hours of being brought home.
· Water trees daily to ensure their freshness. Properly maintained trees are difficult to ignite.
· Trees should be discarded after four weeks or when they begin to lose their needles, whichever is sooner.
· Trees put up just after Thanksgiving should be discarded the week after Christmas. After New Years, even well watered trees can become a fire hazard.
· Keep heating and ignition sources away from your tree.

Christmas day also holds the record for the highest number of reported residential fires caused from burning candles. If you are going to use candles, use extreme caution and keep them well away from decorations and other combustible materials. Never decorate trees or windows with candles. It is also important to keep candles out of reach from children and pets to avoid the risk of having them accidentally tipped over.

When decorating, use lights that are listed by an independent testing laboratory and are rated for their intended use. Some lights are designed only for indoor or outdoor use, but not for both. Always check cords for loose, broken bulbs and frayed wiring. Be careful not to overload circuits. A surge strip is always a good idea; however, it is dangerous practice to plug one into another. Additionally, remember to unplug or turn off all holiday decorations before leaving home or going to sleep.

Home fires and the injuries they cause are not on anyone's Christmas list. Common sense and a little imagination can make for an enjoyable and safe holiday season. Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas from Tyndall Fire & Emergency Services.