The holiday season is the most wonderful time of the year, but the holiday decorations that helps make it special can also lead to a heightened risk of fires that can ruin the day, or worse.
The risk of house fires increases around the holidays, as flammable Christmas trees are brought inside the home, candles for ambience and electrical circuits are tested with strings of lights.
Warren County Office of Emergency Services asks that Warren County residents follow some basic fire safety rules to ensure that their holiday is not marred by misfortune.
Warren County Fire Coordinator Ralph Bartlett said those who choose live Christmas trees should follow basic rules to avoid them becoming a fire hazard.
Bartlett explained: “Live Christmas trees can increasingly become a fire hazard when introduced into the home and not properly watered, exposed to open flame sources, or put up too close to heating appliances.”
Some basic Christmas tree safety tips:
- ALWAYS keep the Christmas tree stand secure and filled with water. Be cognizant that pets may drink water from tree stands, so check more frequently if a pet is in the house.
- NEEDLES on fresh trees should be green and hard to pull off branches. Dispose of the tree when it begins to dry out.
- DO NOT place the tree close to a heat source, including a fireplace or heat vent.
- MINIMIZE the use of extension cords.
- DO NOT dispose of branches or needles in a fireplace or woodstove.
- CHECK holiday light strings to make sure none are frayed or damaged.
- MAKE SURE smoke detectors are in working order, with fresh batteries.
Ann Marie Mason, Warren County Director of the Office of Emergency Services, added, “When decorating your homes this holiday season, be fire smart. Please follow these guidelines regarding the care and decoration of your tree and other fire safety tips, to help ensure that you have a happy and safe holiday.”
Properly caring for a live tree is one of a number of home fire- and safety-related concerns for the holiday season, according to Warren County Office of Emergency Services and NY State Office of Fire Prevention & Control.
Fire Coordinator Bartlett explained that the improper use of candles in the home is also a leading cause of fires in December each year. Candles should never be left unattended, should be a minimum of 12 inches from any flammable materials, and should be on a stable surface so they do not get knocked over inadvertently.
Chimney fires are also a concern this time of year. A holiday fire in a fireplace and woodstove is cozy, but make sure chimneys are intact and clean before the first use of the season.
Additional New York Office of Fire Prevention & Control holiday safety tips can be found here.
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