CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
More than 400 people are killed each year, 1,650 are injured and more than 990 million dollars of damage is reported each year during the holiday season.
According to the United States Fire Administration, there are simple life-saving steps people can take to ensure a safe and happy holiday. By following some of the outlined precautionary tips, Airmen and their families can greatly reduce their chances of becoming a holiday fire casualty.
Special fire safety precautions need to be taken when keeping a live tree in the house. A burning tree can rapidly fill a room with fire and deadly gases. Some movie segments people have seen demonstrate how fast a live tree can become fully engulfed in flames.
Selecting a tree for the holidays: The needles on fresh trees should be green and hard to pull back from the branches; the needle should not break if the tree has been freshly cut. The trunk should be sticky to the touch. Older trees can be identified by picking them up and then bouncing the tree trunk on the ground. If a lot of needles fall off, the tree has probably dried out and is a fire hazard.
Caring for the tree: Do not place a tree close to a heat source, including a fireplace or heat vent. The heat will dry out the tree, causing it to be more easily ignited by heat, flame or sparks. Be careful not to drop or flick cigarette ashes near a tree. Do not put up a live tree too early or leave it up for longer than two weeks. Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times.
Disposing of the tree: When the tree becomes dry, discard it promptly. The best way to dispose of your tree is by taking it to a recycling center or having it hauled away by a community pick-up service. Never put holiday tree branches or the tree needles in a fireplace or wood burning stove.
Holiday lights: Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking or wear before putting them up. Use only lighting listed by an approved testing laboratory.
Do not overload electrical outlets: Do not link more than three light strands, unless the directions indicate it is safe. Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet. Make sure to periodically check the wires -- they should not be warm to the touch. And remember ... never leave holiday lights unattended.
Holiday decorations: Use only nonflammable decorations or ones that are made from flame-retardant and placed away from heat vents.
Never put wrapping paper in a fireplace: It can throw off dangerous sparks and produce a chemical buildup in the home that could cause an explosion.
Artificial trees: If you are using a metallic or artificial tree, make sure it is flame retardant.
Avoid using lit candles: If you do use them, make sure they are in stable holders and place them where they cannot be easily knocked down. Never leave the house with candles burning.
Never put lit candles on a tree: Do not go near a tree with an open flame -- candles, lighters or matches.
Finally, as in every season, make sure you have working smoke alarms installed on every level of your home, test them monthly, and keep them clean and equipped with fresh batteries at all times. Know when and how to call for help. And remember to practice your home escape plan.
On behalf of all firefighters from the 437 CES, we desire for everyone to enjoy a safe and happy holiday season in 2007. Following these simple precautions will ensure our communities avoid tragic and sad losses from fires.