Keeping this Holiday Season Fire Safe

  • Published
  • By 886th Civil Englineer Squadron
  • Fire and Emergency Services
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  The winter holiday season should be a joyous time of the year. During this season, fires and injuries associated with holiday decorating are much more prevalent. 

From 2005-2009, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated average of 240 home fires that began with Christmas trees. These Christmas tree fires cause an average of 13 deaths, 27 injuries, and 16.7 million dollars in property damage each year.

Although these fires are not common, when they do occur, they are likely to be really serious. On average, one of every 18 reported home Christmas tree fires result in a death. Five of every six Christmas tree fires happened in the month of December, with more than 42% of these fires being reported on the ten days between Christmas Eve and the day after New Year's Day.

Safety Tips for keeping the Christmas Trees safe are:
· Select the freshest-looking tree available. Make a fresh cut across the tree's base and immediately place in water.
· Check the water level daily and add water if needed.
· Check all Christmas tree lights, other electric decorations and electrical appliances for wear (frayed cords, for example). Do not use lights, decorations or appliances with worn electrical cords. Only use UL, GS, or CE approved electrical decorations and extension cords.
· Place the Christmas tree well away from heat registers, space heaters, fireplaces, televisions, computer monitors and other heat sources.
· Place the Christmas tree clear of doors to keep the emergency escape route clear of trees, packages, and furniture.
· Place the Christmas tree in the trash as soon as possible after Christmas, especially if the needles start to dry out.
· If leaving for the holidays, it's best to take down your tree and dispose of it before leaving.
· Do not leave holiday lights on unattended.
· Use only non-flammable decorations. All decorations should be flame-retardant and placed away from heat vents.
· Artificial Christmas trees--if you are using a metallic or artificial trees, be sure it is flame retardant.
· Never put lit candles on a tree. Do not decorate or even go near a Christmas tree with an open flame--candles, lighters or matches.
· 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.
· 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.

Finally, keep your family safe by planning and practicing your fire escape plan and always Test your smoke detectors monthly and replace batteries annually.

Contact your fire prevention office at 480-5940 for assistance or if you have any questions about fire safety. From all of us here at your KMC Fire Department, we hope that you have a safe and joy filled holiday season.