The streets of Eureka are ready for the holidays with festive decorations and bustling boutiques along Central. Families illuminate their homes and lawns with twinkling lights, and Christmas trees peep from behind windows. The holiday season has arrived, but the magical merriment also prevents many from acknowledging the safety concerns that also mark this season.
December safety tips address the dangers and fire hazards that increase during the winter holidays. Celebrate this holiday safely and follow EFPD’s safety best practices for decorating and keeping the home safe from holiday fire hazards.
Christmas Tree on Fire: The Tree Tops The Fire Hazard List
Christmas tree fires are all too common. According to National Fire Protection Association statistics, the main culprits behind Christmas tree fires were electrical distribution and lighting sources. In addition, candles ignited trees in 11 percent of these holiday fires.
From 2018 to 2022, the NFPA reported that fire departments nationwide responded to approximately 155 house fires from an ignited Christmas tree. While that accounts for only 31 fires during those five holiday seasons, the statistic illustrates the danger of this traditional holiday centerpiece.
How to Prevent Christmas Tree Fires
Eureka residents can minimize their risk of Christmas tree fires by following crucial holiday decorating best practices. Everyone must understand that real and artificial Christmas trees represent a fire hazard. However, real trees pose a greater risk. Follow these easy Christmas tree fire prevention tips.
Water real trees regularly. Real Christmas trees dry out if they are not adequately hydrated. Check the water beneath the tree and keep it filled.
Keep all trees six feet from heat sources, including fireplaces, heaters, and candles.
Assess wires on all lights. Discard any light strands with broken cords or wires.
Do not use outdoor holiday lights on Christmas trees. These lights burn hotter, posing a fire risk.
Never daisy chain power strips (plugging a power strip into another power strip).
Always keep a Class ABC fire extinguisher nearby in case of an emergency. All homes should be equipped with this type of fire extinguisher.
A Candle Fire: Flameless Candles Are Safer Options
The illumination of candles creates a festive ambiance. Unfortunately, many Christmas tree fires originate from candles. In addition, candles pose a fire hazard to homeowners.
Unattended candles could topple and ignite nearby linens or other materials. Homeowners also could forget about a candle, leading to disastrous results.
Flameless candles use a battery-operated faux flickering flame that is illuminated by a small bulb. These candles look real but pose no danger to homes or individuals. While the fake flame won’t burn hands, parents should always teach children to keep their hands away from any candle flame.
If individuals are committed to a candlelit celebration or if candles are integral in a holiday celebration (like Hannukuh or Kwanzaa), abide by these safety tips:
Keep candles away from any flammable items or materials.
Always extinguish a candle before leaving a room or going to bed.
Trim wicks to mitigate issues.
Discard candles that have melted down too low.
Make sure candles fit securely in holders.
Holiday Safety Tips for Decorating the Home
Stringing lights around the home creates a personalized holiday light display. Many families enjoy creating amazing light displays and integrating other holiday decorations in front of their homes. Decorating outdoors should be a team (or family) effort. Don’t tackle this project alone, especially when climbing the roof to string lights. Stay safe with FESTIVE:
Find a spotter. Have a family member hold the base of the ladder when stringing lights.
Electric outlets for outdoor lights need a GFCI.
Stay 10 feet away from powerlines (this includes you, decorations, and any tools).
Take breaks. Cold hands can lock up. If you’re not wearing work gloves, get warm inside.
Ice is not nice. Reschedule decorating when the weather leads to slick surfaces.
Verify all lights are safe for outdoor use.
Enjoy the holiday beauty of the display.
Holiday Fire Safety For The Fireplace
Prepare the chimney and the fireplace for Santa’s arrival. A clean flue is crucial for a safe Santa arrival, and a clean flue also mitigates a very dangerous fire hazard. Schedule a flue cleaning and inspection before lighting a fire in the fireplace. This ensures the fireplace is ready for the season.
While a crackling fire in the fireplace has become synonymous with the holiday season, these fires still pose a serious danger to the home. When using a fireplace (even one serviced and cleaned), it’s important to always be mindful of the flames and the embers that fly from the fireplace.
Keep any furniture or flammable items about six feet from the fireplace.
Never EVER pour gasoline or other combustible liquids on a fire. This can lead to serious burns and even death.
Protect pets and children and ensure they always stay six feet from the fire.
Ensure the flue is open (otherwise, smoke will billow into the home).
Always extinguish a fire before leaving the house or going to bed. Every ember must be extinguished.
Don’t leave a fire unattended.
Have a Safe Holiday Season!
Eureka Fire Protection District does not want any Eureka residents to endure a fire during the holiday season (or any season). Please follow holiday safety best practices. Keep those real trees hydrated, avoid stringing broken lights on trees, and never daisy chain power strips. Decorating outdoors can be dangerous if it’s a one-person project; always have a spotter there to help (and hold the ladder).
And every resident should remember to service their fireplace before using it for the first time this season. After all, St. Nick doesn’t want to get his suit full of soot! Happy holidays from the crews at EFPD. Stay safe, Eureka!
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