For Immediate Release

December 1st  2005

Chester Fire Department

 

 

HOLIDAY SAFETY TIPS TO KEEP YOUR FAMILY SAFE

 

 

Chester, West Virginia…It seems like only yesterday we were relaxing by the pool, enjoying cookouts, and cranking the air conditioner on high to beat the heat.  But now the snow is in the air, Santa is making his list and checking it twice, and the Holidays are upon us.  The Chester Volunteer Fire Department wants you to take a minute to refresh some basic holiday safety information, and we offer these tips to make sure you and your family have a safe, enjoyable and fun holiday. As we know the winter holidays are a time for celebration, that means more cooking, entertaining, home decorating, and of course, heating of our homes.  Unfortunately, that also means an increased risk of fire.

 

Some Holiday Facts and Statistics to catch your attention:

 

·        In 2002 there were 240 Christmas Tree fires in U.S. homes, resulting in 23 deaths, and $11.4 million dollars in property damage

 

·        In 2001 there were 18,000 candle fires in the U.S. Fourteen percent of these fires

occurred in December. In 11% of the December fires, the fires began when a

decoration caught fire.

 

·        Christmas trees were the items first ignited in an average of 310 home fires in the years of 1999 through 2002.  The statistics include both real and artificial

trees. On average, one in every twenty-two Christmas tree fires resulted in death.

 

·        The number of Christmas tree fires spike during December 22nd-28th.

 

 

Holiday safety tips you need to remember:

 

                                    Christmas Trees-

 

·        Follow manufacturer’s recommendations on how to use tree lights. A string with frayed or worn wires, broken cords or loose bulb connections should not be used.

Connect no more than three stands together. Always unplug the lights on your tree before leaving home or going to bed.  Never use candles to decorate a tree, and keep them three feet from any branches. Water a live tree daily.  Choose a sturdy tree stand

      that will not tip over.  Make sure your artificial tree is flame retardant.  Keep an eye on children…they are fascinated with Christmas      trees. Do not children play with lights, strings, decorations, or wiring.  When purchasing a live tree, check for green needles.  Do not purchase a tree that  looks dry or is dropping needles.  Make sure the

tree is at least three feet away from any heat source.  Don’t place your tree where it

may  block an exit.  After Christmas, dispose of your tree promptly.  A dried-out live

tree is extremely flammable and should not be left in the house, garage, or placed near the home outside while awaiting disposal.

 

Holiday decorating and lighting-

 

·        Always unplug any holiday decorations before leaving home or going to bed. Keep children and pets away from light strings and electrical cords.  Always

unplug cords before replacing bulbs or fuses.  Use caution when using holiday decorations and choose ones made with flame resistant, flame retardant materials.

Don’t overload electrical outlets  and use only heavy-duty extension cords. The

Chester Fire Department recommends that NO extension cords be used in the home at all.  Never attempt to by-pass a safety feature of your decoration or the

extension cord.  If you do use an extension cord, don’t run it under rugs or where

it can be stepped on.  Don’t surpass the cord’s maximum wattage rating. 

 

   Candles-

 

·           Our Fire Prevention Week theme for 2005 focused on candle safety.  Candle fires

   are an increasing cause of home fires, and candle use in general  increases during

   the holiday season. Candles are used to create atmosphere, fill our home with 

   aroma, and  to celebrate the holidays, but it is important to remember candles are  

   just  an open flame.  There are a few simple tips to follow if you include candles

   in your holiday observances;  Never leave a lit candle unattended.  Keep candles

   at least three feet away from anything that can catch fire.  Use sturdy candle-

   handles that will collect all dripping wax.  Don’t let children light, use, or be

   near candles.  Remember to blow out candles when you leave the room and before

   going to bed, and make sure after you blow it out that the wick quits glowing. It

   is wise NOT to have candles in your bedroom. (You can create a romantic

   atmosphere without the candles).

 

Holiday entertaining-

 

·            Unattended cooking is also a leading cause of home fires.  When cooking for

          holiday guests, keep an eye on the stove.  Provide plenty of large, deep ashtrays

          and check them often.  Completely douse ashtrays with water before emptying

          them in the wastebasket or trash.  Check for smoldering cigarettes/ cigars in your

          cushions, trashcans, and under upholstery.  Ask smokers to keep their lighters, and

          matches with them so children can not get them.  Test your smoke alarms, and let

          your guests know what your fire escape plan is.

 

General Fire Safety-

 

·          Have working smoke alarms on all levels of your home.  Check the alarms monthly,

  and especially before the holiday season begins. Change the batteries in your alarms

  twice a year.  Install working fire extinguishers in your home and make sure adults

  know how to use them.  Make sure everyone in your home knows the emergency

  phone number to call for police, fire, or ambulance personnel.  Have an escape plan

  in place that all family members are familiar with.  Practice your plan. With  real

  practice, your escape plan will become second-nature with your loved ones.  It can

  make a difference between life or death.  We want you to have a safe, enjoyable

  holiday season.  If you have any questions on these or other fire safety tips, call your

  local fire department’s non-emergency number and ask.  I can speak for all fire

  departments when I say we will be glad to answer your questions and concerns.

  Happy Holidays!  Stay safe!

 

 

                                                                                          Brian Handley

                                                                                          Chester Vol. Fire Dept.