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The United States Fire Administration (USFA) and the
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) are once again teaming up to
promote winter fire safety through their joint campaign, “Put a Freeze on
Winter Fires.” The goal of the campaign is to educate the public on increased
fire risks during the winter months.
December, January and February are the leading months for
home fires. Many of these fires are caused by cooking, heating and holiday
decorations such as lights, Christmas trees and candles.
Each week during the campaign, USFA will share helpful,
practical tips to help us make our homes and families safer. Follow
#winterfiresafety on Twitter @usfire and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/usfire
For additional fire safety and prevention information,
visit the U.S. Fire
Administration.
Winter holidays are a time for families and friends to get
together. It is fun to decorate, but holiday decorations can increase your risk
for a home fire. As you deck the halls this season, be fire smart.
Follow these safety tips to make your holidays fire safe.
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Choose holiday decorations that are flame
resistant or flame retardant.
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Make sure you are using the correct lights.
Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both.
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Replace any string of lights with worn or
broken cords or loose bulb connections.
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Use clips, not nails or staples, to hang lights
so the cords do not get damaged.
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Make sure your decorations don’t block doors or
windows. Create a clear path to all windows and doors for easy escape in case
there’s a fire.
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Turn off all light strings and decorations when
going to bed or leaving your home
If your winter holiday tradition includes a real Christmas
tree, you need to be aware of the fire risks. If your tree catches on fire, the
fire can spread very quickly.
When you’re decorating with a live tree, consider the
following tips:
- Choose the freshest tree you can find. Check
the needles. They should feel soft, not brittle and stay on the limb when you
gently pull on the branch.
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After making a fresh cut on the trunk and
placing the tree in a stand, fill the stand’s water basin. Water your tree
every day.
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Keep electrical cords away from the water in
the tree stand.
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Place your tree at least three feet from heat
registers, space heaters and fireplaces.
Think about using battery-operated flameless candles, which
can look, smell and feel like real candles. If you do use lit candles, make
sure they are in stable holder and place them where they cannot be knocked over
easily. Keep lit candles at least three-feet away from decorations and things
that can burn. Blow out lit candles when you leave your home or go to bed.
NFA application period is open.
Apply for free training by December 15.
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Have you joined Fire is Everyone's Fight?
Fire is
Everyone's Fight is a national initiative to unite the
fire service, life safety organizations and professionals in an effort to
reduce home fire injuries, deaths and property loss. The goal is to change how
people think about fire and fire prevention.
Join
the Fight and use the materials to educate your communities
about the importance of fire prevention.
If you have any questions, please email Teresa Neal.
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