Washington City Fire Department

Holiday Safety Tips

Each year the Holiday Season brings families and friends together in the festive spirit. Holidays should be happy times and create wonderful memories. During this special time Washington City Fire Department wishes the very best to you and yours. Here are a few safety tips to help keep our community safe.

KITCHEN SAFETY- Cooking is one of the leading causes of residential fires. Never leave stoves or ovens unattended while cooking. Most kitchen fires occur while the cook is out of the kitchen. Every kitchen should be equipped with an operational fire extinguisher. Turkey fryers should be limited to outdoors and away from combustible decks or patio covers. A responsible teen or adult should accompany young aspiring chefs.

CANDLES- Candle fires are another common cause of fires. December is the peak month for candle fires, with almost twice the average number of incidents. Most fires involved unattended candles while lit or children playing with candles. Avoid using candles. If you do use candles, ensure they are in a stable holder and place them on non-combustible surfaces where they cannot be easily knocked over. Using a warming plate will allow you to enjoy scented candles. Never leave burning candles unattended and never put candles on a Christmas tree. Lighting candles is a task best left to responsible teens and adults.

CHRISTMAS TREES- Trees can be a significant fuel source for any fire. Choosing an artificial tree made of flame resistant material can substantially reduce the risk of fire. If you plan to use a live or cut tree, you should remember a few safety tips. Live trees should be kept well watered and planted as soon as possible after the holiday. Choose a fresh tree by checking the color and feel of the needles. Needles on fresh trees should be green and not fall off easily. When placing the tree, cut off a ½” or so of the trunk and place the fresh cut end of the tree in water. Check the water level and replenish every day. Do not place trees near heater vents or return ducts. Cut trees should not be kept indoors for extended periods of time.

DECORATIONS- Choose decorations that are flame resistant or treat them with a flame retardant product. Trees may also be sprayed with flame retardant material. Avoid using pine boughs or straw indoors. LIGHTING- Choose only lighting products that are listed by an approved testing laboratory. Follow the manufacturer's written instructions. Do not string too many light sets together. Do not use any light sets with frayed cords, damaged light sockets or broken bulbs. Avoid using multi tap plug adapters and do not overload circuits. Extension cords that are overloaded may feel warm to the touch. Turn the lights off when you leave the house or go to bed. Keep lighting cords or decorations out of walkways and do not obstruct exits.

FIREPLACES AND STOVES- Chimneys for fireplaces and stoves should be cleaned and checked for damage prior to use each season. Firewood and ignition materials should not be stored indoors or near the fireplace. Wrapping paper and packaging materials should not be burned in the fireplace (consider recycling). Cleaning the fireplace or stove should only be done while the device is cold. All cold ashes should be placed in a metal container with a tight fitting lid. This container should be stored outside and away from any combustible material. Only ashes cold to the touch should be placed for pick-up by trash collectors.

HOLIDAY TRAVEL- Holiday travel may involve driving in adverse weather conditions. Plan your travel accordingly. Keep your car full of gas and carry extra food and blankets. Avoid driving when conditions are poor. Do not drink and drive and always wear seat belts or use approved child restraint devices.

 –Kind Regards, Jim Guynn