HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- The holiday season is once again upon us with a host of tasks to be completed -- gift shopping for family and friends followed closely with decorating the home both inside and out.
However, fire prevention techniques should also be closely followed.
Christmas trees and lights are of great concern when it comes to fire safety. Those lovely live trees, when decorated, bring out holiday cheer and add to the festive season. However, if a fire should begin within the branches, due to faulty lights, the flames move fast.
A tree can become engulfed in flames in less than 5 seconds with the potential for the entire room to be involved in well under a minute. Unattended trees are among the dangerous types of home fires this time of the year. The best way to prevent tree fires would be the purchase of an artificial tree; many people think they are just as lovely. They are low maintenance, and they are not flammable.
But for many, it just wouldn’t be the same without a real tree. For some, the scent of the evergreen adds to the holiday atmosphere too.
After selecting a tree by a preferred method – bumping, needle rubbing, smelling or shaking the heck out of it, begin the fire safety practice by first cutting a disk about a half inch to an inch off the bottom and placing the tree in water.
This step reduces the drying out process and lessens the risk of having a fire. By continuously monitoring water levels and adding water daily, it will aid in keeping the tree green.
The next concern is the use of lights on a Christmas tree. Inspect and repair (or replace) lights that are unsafe due to faulty wiring or damaged sockets. Do this prior to placing them on the tree. Another concern is too many lights drawing power from the same outlet. If a circuit breaker trips several times from lights/displays being plugged in, it’s time to start looking for an overload or a ground fault condition.
Beautiful home and yard displays are a tradition in America, and usually they’re safe. But, if necessary safety steps are not taken, anyone could be surrounded by fire hazard.
So, play it safe.
Make sure all outside displays are designed for outside use. All electrical components should have either a UL, FM or other recognized testing laboratory approved label attached.
Under the tree are shiny packages with bows and labels addressed to friends and relatives. The neat arrangements soon becomes a piles of ripped, torn, shredded papers, ribbon and boxes galore. Keep these by-products away from heaters and open flames.
The solution is simple have a trash collection station setup for all the rubbish to accumulate into a trash bag for disposal. The fire hazard is minimized, and there is still ample room to play or display new gifts.
Finally, cooking is a daily concern for property and individual safety. However; with the increase of cooking activities, a few extra precautions must be taken.
Here are some tips to keep in mind.
General Cooking Practice:
• Plan out meals
• Stay in the room when cooking on the stove
• Keep floor area around the stove clear (Children, toys and pets are trip hazards)
• Keep lids to pots and pans handy
Special Turkey Fryer Care:
• Thaw the bird
• Don’t stuff the bird
• Lower the bird slowly into the hot oil
• Monitor cooking oil temperature
• Take care when removing the bird
Be fire safe and enjoy the Holiday Season.