NFPA Offers Fire Safety Tips
The holiday season means lights and decorations throughout the home, which can pose risks if people are not careful.
This year, the National Fire Protection Association is again running “Project Holiday,” the organization’s holiday fire safety campaign.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, Christmas trees, candles, and cooking all contribute to an increased number of fires in the home during the month of December, making it one of four leading months for U.S. home fires.
National Fire Protection Association Spokesperson Judy Comoletti said Christmas tree fires are not common, but still can be very dangerous.
She said anyone with a real tree needs to keep a few important tips in mind.
“If you are going to have a Christmas tree, what you have to do is make sure that it is fresh,” said Comoletti. “When you to go to get you tree, make sure the needles are not falling off. Make sure you cut off two inches from the base of the tree and then immediately place it in your tree stand with water. You have to water the tree every day.”
Comoletti said people then want to remove the tree from the home as soon as the tree begins to dry out after the holiday season.
She said people also need to check their Christmas lights as well because those can pose a fire risk.
“Be looking for worn and damaged cords and if you have lights that are not working, you need to replace them,” she said. “That goes for lights that are outside too.”
Meanwhile, when it comes to candles, Comoletti said a good idea is to use flameless candles that are battery operated.
However for those using real candles, she said a number of tips can help keep people safe.
“Blow them out when you leave the room,” she said. “Keep them 12 inches away from anything that can burn. Keep them away from kids and pets.”
Comoletti said using care while cooking, having working smoke alarms, and reviewing a family’s fire escape plan are all good ideas during the holiday season.
For more information, go online to www.nfpa.org.