Holiday Fire Safety Tips

Risk of heating fires rise as temperatures drop
As temperatures drop, fires involving heating equipment are expected to rise. According to a new NFPA report, heating equipment was involved in an estimated 62,200 home structure fires and 670 deaths in 2005.

Home heating remains second highest cause of fire in the home
73% of home heating fire deaths attributed to space heaters
As temperatures drop and people take steps to warm their homes, NFPA urges the public to be mindful of the risks associated with home heating. Along with the colder temperatures, there is an elevated risk of dying from fire during this season, with December, January and February generally being the deadliest months for fires. 
 
NFPA suggests holiday gift ideas that promote fire safety.

Just in time for the holidays...
Carefully decorating Christmas trees can help make your holidays safer. 

Here are NFPA's Ten Tips for making your tree fire-safe.

1.  When decorating your tree, always use lights listed by a testing    laboratory.  Some lights are designed only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both.  Larger tree lights should also have some type of reflector rather than a bare bulb.	Christmas Tree Fires by Week (1999-2002)     See larger image. NFPA REPORT "Products First Ignited in U.S. Home Fires," by Kimberly D. Rohr. Homes averaged 372,400 fires, 2,948 civilian deaths, 15,333 civilian injuries, and $5.4 billion in direct property damage per year between 1999 and 2002. Home fires per year have declined by 215,300 since the first five-year time period (1983-1987) this report examined. Civilian deaths and injuries have also been on a slight downward trend, but direct property damage has shown a steady increase which is attributable to inflation.
2.   Follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to use tree lights.  Any string of lights with worn, frayed or broken cords or loose bulb connections should not be used.
3.   Always unplug Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.
4.   Bring outdoor electrical lights inside after the holidays to prevent hazards and extend their life.
5.  Never use lit candles to decorate a tree, and make sure any lit candles in the room are placed well away from tree branches.
6.   Try to keep live trees as moist as possible by giving them plenty of water daily.  Do not purchase a tree that is dry or dropping needles.  Check for fresh, green needles.  And place your tree in a sturdy tree stand designed not to tip over.