CHRISTMAS SAFETY TIPS
The Midway Volunteer Fire Company No.1 is dedicated to Fire Prevention through Education. With the holidays fast approaching we would offer these tips for Holiday Fire Safety. We wish you all a very safe and Happy Holiday Season with family and friends!!!
Many holiday decorations and traditions can present possible safety hazards. Following our suggestions for safety you can help keep your holiday season happy and safe. As always planning ahead and being prepared are your best tools of prevention.
If you have any questions or concerns please contact our station.
PLAN AHEAD
A fire or an emergency can strike your home at any time. To help you be better prepared make sure you have:
Emergency numbers posted on or near your phone.
Keep a UL listed multi-purpose fire extinguisher in or near your kitchen.
Have a home escape plan and practice your escape regularly.
Have at least one working Smoke Detector in your home.
CANDLES
Candles always present a fire hazard, candle safety is a must!
Never use lighted candles on a tree or near other evergreens.
Always use non-flammable holders.
Keep candles away from other decorations and wrapping paper.
Place candles where they cannot be knocked down, knocked over, or blown over.
CHRISTMAS TREES
Christmas trees are a wonderful part of the holidays. Pleas follow these Christmas tree tips:
Place your tree in a safe location, away from fireplaces, radiators, or other heat sources, also away from traffic patterns and doorways.
Artificial trees should bear UL label.
Cut trees should be fresh and kept fresh.
Trees should have a stable stand and cut trees must have a water holding stand, and be watered daily.
Cut trees should have 1 inch cut off diagonally before placing it in the water holding stand.
Remember heated rooms dry trees out rapidly; and a dry tree is a fire hazard.
TRIMMINGS
The trimmings of your Christmas tree are a very important part of holiday festivities. Keep the safety of your family and friends in mind when selecting trimmings and decorating your tree. Follow these safety tips:
Don't use real lit candles on a tree.
Avoid any decorations that tend to break easily, or have sharp edges.
Use tinsel or artificial icicles of non-lead material.
Keep tree trimmings that are small, or have removable parts, out of the reach of children.
Avoid ornaments that resemble candy or foods that small children may try to eat.
LIGHTS
Christmas lights and other decorations set theme for the Christmas holidays. Here some safety tips when use lights:
Use only lights that have been tested for safety and have the UL label.
Read manufacturer's instructions carefully and follow them.
Check each set of lights for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, loose connections.
Check labels of lights to be used outdoors to see that they are suitable for outdoor use.
Use no more then three sets of lights per single extension.
Always turn off lights and other decorations when you retire or leave your home.
Never use electric lights on a metallic tree, use colored spot lights instead.
Keep children away from lights sets electrical decorations: shock hazard.
FIRES
Your fire place is a source of warmth and heat. If you plan to use your fireplace this holiday season, please you it safely. Her are some safety tips to follow:
Have your fireplace and chimney checked by a professional.
Make sure the flue or damper is open.
Remove all paper decorations and combustibles from the immediate area.
Use a screen to enclose the front of your fireplace.
Don't build a fire that is too large.
Don't burn wrapping paper in your fireplace.
Be careful if you use fire salts to produce color flames.
PAPER
The opening of Christmas presents is always a special and exciting time during the holidays. Take special precautions when disposing of the wrapping:
Always dispose of wrappings immediately after opening.
DON'T BURN wrappings in the fireplace.
Place wrappings and trash in a metal container if possible.