The City of Summit Fire Department is sharing safety tips for an enjoyable and safe holiday season.
“This is a wonderful time of year marked by celebrations with family and friends, festive decorations, and increased time in the kitchen,” says Fire Chief Eric Evers. “But with all this holiday cheer comes a greater risk of fire. By taking proper precautions, you can ensure that you and your loved ones are safe this holiday season.”
Lights and Decorations
- Inspect lights before installation and dispose of light strands with frayed or pinched wires. Read manufacturer instructions for the maximum number of light strands that can be connected.
- Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.
- Keep in mind that some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both.
- Choose holiday decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant.
Candles
- Keep children and pets away from lit candles. Consider using battery-operated flameless candles.
- If using lit candles, ensure they are stable and place them where they cannot be knocked down easily.
- Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything flammable and never use lit candles to decorate the tree. Candle fires occur most often on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.
Trees
- Ensure trees are at least three feet away from heat sources such as fireplaces, radiators, space heaters, candles, and heat vents.
- Water Christmas trees daily and dispose of trees when they become dry. This video from the National Institute of Standards and Technology shows how quickly a dry tree can catch fire.
Holiday Entertaining
- Test your smoke alarms and inform guests of your home fire escape plan.
- Keep matches and lighters out of reach up high in a locked cabinet.
- Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop.
- Ask smokers to smoke outside and provide large, deep ashtrays. Wet cigarette butts with water before discarding.
Go to nfpa.org for additional safety tips and cityofsummit.org/fire for more information on the Summit Fire Department.