The winter holiday season is here and for many, that brings celebrations with friends and families. Unfortunately, it also brings an increased fire risk. According to Thomasville Fire Rescue, you can still enjoy the festivities safely by following a few simple tips to keep your holidays bright and filled with your seasonal favorites.
“The best thing you can do to keep your home, property and family safe is to be sure you have a working smoke detector,” said TFR Fire Marshal Tim Connell. “If you do not have one, TFR is happy to provide one for you. We can even help make sure it is installed properly. If you already have smoke detectors in your home, be sure they are working properly and that your batteries are still good.”
Connell said it is also important to remain aware of normal fire safety precautions during the holidays as well. “It is easy to get distracted during the holiday season. Make sure you are aware of items you may have cooking on the stove so that you don’t leave it unattended,” he said. “Also, make sure you don’t forget about any candles you may have burning in your home.”
Candles are a popular way to decorate during the holiday season but can become dangerous if they are left burning for long periods of time. “Always make sure you blow out all candles when you leave a room or when you go to bed during the evening,” Connell said. “You should also be sure you keep them safely way from window treatments or anything else that could catch fire.”
If you do burn candles, Connell said to make sure you use sturdy holders and place candles in clear, uncluttered areas. Candles should also be avoided in homes where oxygen tanks are being used. “It is also important to be sure you do not leave a child alone in a room with a burning candle,” he said. “Keep it up high so that a young child can’t reach for it and potentially cause the candle wax to drip out and cause a burn.”
Christmas trees are another popular holiday tradition that can cause an increased fire risk. TFR encourages placing the tree in a stand that is at least three feet from any heat source, such as fireplaces, radiators, candles, vents or lights. “Also, make sure the tree does not block a room exit,” he said. “You should also be sure that you water the tree daily so that it does not dry out and become a fire danger.”
Lights that are used on Christmas trees should be tested and verified for indoor use. “Replace any strings of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections, as these can also pose a fire risk,” said Connell. “Never use candles to decorate a tree and always turn your Christmas lights off before going to bed.”
Once the holidays are over and the tree is undecorated, it will continue to be a fire danger, so disposing of it safely is important. “The City of Thomasville’s Solid Waste Division participates in the Bring One for the Chipper Christmas tree recycling program, so this is a great way to be sure your tree does not cause a fire danger to your property while also helping to beautify your community,” said Connell. Bring One for the Chipper will be held January 6, 2018. Trees can be dropped off beginning December 26th at the recycling center at the corner of Remington Ave. and Stevens St.
Connell said that while it is easy to get distracted by the hustle and bustle of the season, the most important fire safety tip is to be aware. “Just make sure you know when you have something on the stove or when you have a candle burning,” he said. “Pay attention to frayed wires or lights that aren’t working properly. Many fires can be avoided simply by being aware of your surroundings.”
For more information about fire safety or to request a smoke detector from TFR, please call 227-4099.