December

HOLIDAY SAFETY

Water Christmas trees daily 

Water fresh trees daily . Place trees away from heaters, fireplaces and candles, and keep pathways to exits clear.  More Tips .

Turn Off Lights

Consider switching to new LED lights that are cooler and use less electricity.  Turn off lights when you leave the house or go to bed.

Blow out candles

Always blow out candles before leaving the room or going to sleep.  Burn candlesinside a one-foot circle of safety, free of anything that can catch fire.

Stand by your pan; put a lid on it 

Cooking is the #1 cause of fires during the holidays, and most commonly occur when cooking is left unattended.  so Stand by Your Pan and always stay in the kitchen when cooking.  Take a timer with you when baking.  If a pan catches fire, Put a Lid On It to smother the flames and then turn off the heat.

Space heaters need space 

Keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn like curtains, upholstery, or holiday decorations.  Keep warm, keep safe this winter.

Keep matches and lighters out of sight and reach of children 

Children may imitate adults lighting candles and using matches and lighters.   Keep them out of reach of children and preferably on your person.

Know how to get out

Develop and practice a home fire escape plan  with 2 ways out and a meeting place outdoors.  In a fire, get out and stay out of the house and call 911 from a cell phone or neighbor's house.

Have working smoke alarms

You need working smoke alarms  on every level of your home and outside all sleeping areas.  Replace smoke alarms if they are over 10 years old.

Have working carbon monoxide alarms 

Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless gas that can quickly kill you.  Replace any carbon monoxide alarms over seven years old.

Use extension cords wisely

Extension cords should only be used as a temporary connection.  Don't overload them and match the cord to the appliance.  Never put cords under rugs as this can damage the cord and cause a fire.  More electrical fire safety tips.

Smoke outside

Encourage smokers to do so outside, and provide them with a proper ashtray such as a can with sand in it.  Many fires are started by the improper disposal of smoking materials both indoors and out.

Drink responsibly

Keep a close eye on anyone cooking or smoking while under the influence of alcohol .  Alcohol is often a factor in fatal fires.