Maitland City Talk

Tis the season of fun, food, merriment and the gathering of family and friends; the year-end Holiday Season is a joyous time of year, but, it is also the prime time for residential fires. According to information compiled and provided by both the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), home fires are more prevalent in winter than at any other season of the year. Each winter an estimated 108,400 residential building fires occur in the United States.

Home fires during the Holiday Season involve cooking, holiday trees, candles and holiday decorations and when temperatures drop, heating appliances.

By taking some preventative steps and following simple rules of thumb, most home fires can be prevented during the Holiday Season and beyond.

Holiday Trees and Decorations

U. S. Fire Departments annually respond to an average of 250 structure fires caused by holiday trees. When choosing a tree, if you prefer a natural tree, look for a fresh cut one or buy a tree that’s been treated with a flame retardant. A tag will normally be placed on the tree if it has been treated. Select a fresh tree; make sure the green needles don’t fall off when touched. Natural trees will need to be watered frequently. Be sure to check the water level daily. Before placing it in the stand, cut 1 to 2 inches from the trunk. Also, use a large, deep, non-tip stand placed well away from fireplaces, exits, or heat sources. If your tree becomes dry, remove it from the home and store it well away from the exterior of the house until you can dispose of it. For artificial trees, be sure it’s labeled, certified or identified by the manufacturer as fire-retardant. If you’re going “retro” please do not use electrical lights on a totally metal Christmas tree.

Decorations should be chosen and used carefully, only flame-retardant or non-combustible materials should be considered. Decorative lights should bear the label or marking of a nationally recognized testing laboratory such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or Factory Mutual Systems (FM). Use caution when displaying electrically powered decorations to help insure against overloading electrical outlets and be careful in running any extension cords. Never run cords under carpets, across doorways, under furniture, in high traffic areas or near heaters. If you will be using extension cords for outside displays, be sure to purchase cords that are tested and listed for an outside environment and check the label. Always remember to unplug all decorative lights or electrical displays before leaving your home or going to bed.

Cooking

Unattended cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries, with most cooking fires involving the stovetop. Staying in the kitchen while you’re frying, grilling or broiling food is essential. It is so very easy to be distracted by any number of people or things. If you must leave the kitchen for any reason, turn off the stovetop, even if it’s for a “short” period of time. If you’re simmering, boiling, baking or roasting food, check it regularly and use a timer to remind you that you’re cooking. In addition, create a “kid-free zone” of at least three feet around the stove and areas where hot foods and drinks are prepared or carried.

If you do have a fire, just get out. When you leave the area, and if there is a door, close the door. This will help contain the fire. Remember to call 911 immediately when you leave the home. If you have training and a fire extinguisher and decide to fight the fire, be sure others are getting out and that you have access to an exit. For small grease fires, keeping a lid nearby to smother the fire will work, but use caution and remember to turn off the heat. Lastly, never, ever place a burning pan into the sink and run water, this will intensify the fire and probably cause you injury in the process.

Candles

Candles are a long-standing tradition in many holiday celebrations. As a note of caution, we see an increase nationwide in the number of home fires caused by candles during the month of December alone. Before you light any candles, make sure they are in a stable non-tipping holder. Keep them at least 12 inches away from any and all combustible materials like curtains, decorations or a holiday tree. Don’t leave candles burning unattended or within reach of small children, and always extinguish them before leaving a room or going to bed. For added safety, consider using flameless candles, which look and smell like the real thing.

Heating Appliances

Space heaters need space, keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from each heater. Check electrical cords often and replace cracked or damaged electrical or extension cords. Do not try to repair them. Never use your oven or stovetop to heat your home. They are not designed for that purpose and can be a fire hazard.

Being careful and using the tips provided will help ensure a happy and fire safety holiday season for you and your family.

Happy Holidays, from your Maitland Fire Rescue Department!

— Dennis Marshall, Maitland Fire Marshal