Practice fire safety during the holidays

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RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  
The excitement of the holiday season is growing with each passing day. The air is getting cold, AFN Radio is playing holiday music, and the holiday markets are everywhere. The holiday season is one of the best times of the year; a chance to celebrate with friends and family, eating until you are ready to burst, and of course watch some football games and open presents. As you drive through the villages and even through base housing, you can see the lights going up as people get excited and prepare for the holiday season.

As you participate in the festivities this holiday season, the KMC Fire and Emergency Services Flight would like to remind you to not only have fun, but remember to be fire safe.

Here are a few holiday fire safety tips we would like to share with you to ensure that you and your family have a safe holiday season.

1. When selecting your Christmas tree, make sure that it is an appropriate size for its intended location. Big trees are great, but make sure you have room that will allow the tree to be far enough away from radiators and fire places which may cause the tree to dry out prematurely. After selecting your tree, make sure the bottom end of the trunk is cut at an angle at least one or two inches difference from side to side help the tree absorb water. Take the time to check the water level on a daily basis and keep in mind that family pets will be tempted to drink from the tree's water stand. If you decide to use an artificial tree, make sure the tree is labeled or identified as being certified by the manufacturer as being "flame-retardant" or "flame-resistant". The National Fire Protection Association web site reports that 210 Christmas tree fires were reported in 2005. These fires caused 24 civilian deaths, 27 civilian injuries, and $13.3 million in direct property damage. These statistics include both real and artificial trees so caution is needed in any tree you select this year.

2. When decorating Christmas trees, never use candles - tradition or beauty is not worth the price of losing your home to a fire. Although tempting, dorm residents are also reminded that candle use is not authorized at any time in dorm rooms. The National Fire Protection Association reported on their Web site that during 2005, an estimated 15,600 home structure fires started by candles were reported to local fire departments. These fires resulted in an estimated 150 civilian deaths, 1,270 civilian injuries and an estimated direct property loss of $539 million. Always remember: When you go out, blow out!

3. Holiday lighting is a great way to show that you and your family are in the holiday spirit. Keep in mind these few safety points. All string lights must be UL or CE certified. Check to make sure there are no frayed wires or broken bulb sockets and if they are damaged discontinue use and dispose of properly. Short circuits, ground faults, and other electrical failures have been attributed to starting Christmas tree and home fires. There are different styles of lights which can be used indoor or outdoor. Whichever type of light you chose make sure you follow the manufacturer's instructions. Before leaving your home or going to bed, unplug lights from the outlet.

4. Last but not least, remember that those little sockets in the wall are not meant to power the empire state building so be sure not to overload them with too many cords. If your cords feel warm after being on for 20 to 30 min, decrease the load on that outlet. Unplug your tree when you leave the house or when you go to sleep (don't worry Santa can find his way around).

All KMC residents are reminded of the emergency numbers in the KMC. To report fire, medical, or law enforcement emergency dial 112 from a DSN or all family housing area lines and from a commercial line dial 06371-47-112. On Army installations, the emergency number is 117. Contact the Fire Prevention office at 480-5940 for any questions.

Happy Holidays from all the KMC firefighters!

(Courtesy of the Ramstein Fire Prevention Office)