Household Hints & HELP!

Fire Safety

submitted by Lorene Bartos, Extension Educator
This article appears in the December 11, 2005 Lincoln Journal Star Newspaper.

Home fires seem to be in the news daily. During this time of year is it especially important to take extra fire safety precautions around the home. The Department of Homeland Security has some time-tested ways to prevent and survive a fire. It's not a question of luck, it's a matter of planning ahead. Statistics show each year fires occurring during the holiday season injure 2,600 individuals and cause over $930 million in damage. By following the following suggestions, you can protect your family and belongings:

Prevent Electrical Fires
Never overload circuits or extension cords. Do not place cords and wires under rugs, over nails or in high traffic areas. Immediately shut off and unplug appliances that sputter, spark or emit an unusual smell. Have them professionally repaired or replaced.

Use Appliances Wisely
When using appliances follow the manufacturer's safety precautions. Overheating, unusual smells, shorts and sparks are all warning signs appliances need to be shut off, then replaced or repaired. Unplug appliances when not in use. Use safety caps to cover all unused outlets, especially if there are small children in the home.

Alternate Heaters
Portable heaters need their space. Keep anything combustible at least three feet away. Keep fire in the fireplace. Use fire screens and have your chimney cleaned annually. The creosote buildup can ignite a chimney fire that could easily spread. Kerosene heaters should be used only where approved by authorities. Never use gasoline or camp-stove fuel. Refuel outside and only after the heater has cooled.

Plan Your Escape
Practice an escape plan from every room in the house. Caution everyone to stay low to the floor when escaping from fire and never to open doors that are hot. Select a location where everyone can meet after escaping the house. Get out then call for help.

Holiday Decorations

Do not place your 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. Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times.

Never put tree branches or needles in a fireplace or wood burning stove. 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.

If you are using a metallic or artificial tree, make sure it is flame retardant.

All decorations should be nonflammable or flame-retardant and placed away from heat vents.

Maintain your 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.

Do not leave holiday lights on unattended.

Never put wrapping paper in a fireplace. It can throw off dangerous sparks and produce a chemical buildup in the home and can cause an explosion.

If you use candles make sure they are in stable holders and place them where they cannot be easily knocked down. Never leave the house with candles burning. Lit candles should never be used on a holiday tree.

Make sure to 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. Take the mystery out of fire play by teaching your children fire is not a toy.

By following these precautionary tips, you can greatly reduce your chances of becoming a holiday fire casualty. Take the time to prepare your family so you won’t be a statistic this year.

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