Press releases
Sun Current Guest Column
Don't let your holiday spirit go up in flames
By Tom Jenson
Guest Columnist
Unfortunately, along with Santa Clause, stocking stuffers and sugarplums this
holiday season, too many people will also deal with tipped over yuletide
candles, burning Christmas trees and over-heated fireplaces that can put a
damper on the holiday cheer. According to the National Fire Protection
Association, each year an average of 210 home fires are caused by the family
Christmas tree, another 1,150 from holiday decorations and more than 15,000 are
started by candles.
With stats like these, you might wonder if you’d be wise to take a cue from
Ebenezer Scrooge -- shunning the Christmas spirit and shutting yourself in the
entire month of December. Bah Humbug! The fact is it only takes a little
thoughtful discretion to make your holiday a safe and enjoyable one.
Christmas Trees and Holiday Lights
• If you prefer a live Christmas tree, place it in a sturdy stand at least
three feet away from your fireplace, radiator or heat vent.
• Keep all candles and open flames away from the tree.
• Make sure you can easily access the tree stand. Water daily to keep the tree
as moist as possible; a dry tree can burn-up in a matter of seconds.
• Place your tree near an outlet and don’t run an abundance of cords. A power
strip is a better choice than an ordinary extension cord.
• Limit the number of light strings you plug together in a single outlet. Three
strings is the status quo.
• Thoroughly examine your lights for any breaks in the wire and test them before
hanging them.
• Always unplug lights before leaving the house or going to bed.
• Purchase only fire-retardant artificial trees.
Fireplaces
This time of year, Fire Departments get numerous calls reporting
fireplace-related blazes. Several hours of warm, cozy fires can increase the
temperature of the wood inside the walls around the fireplace to the point of
igniting. This is more common in older homes, and at times, a resident may go to
sleep while a fire is not immediately apparent. Try not to use your fireplace
for extended periods of time, have it inspected and cleaned annually by a
qualified person and always remember to burn only clean, dry wood. Never burn
gift wrap, as it can roll out of the fireplace and ignite combustibles in the
area. Finally, keep glass doors or screens closed to prevent sparks from leaving
the fireplace.
Candles
Candles are a firefighter’s arch nemesis. If you choose to light candles,
first ask yourself a few questions.
• Are all candles secured in their holders?
• Could they be knocked over by a child or pet?
• Are the candles in good condition?
• Are all combustibles a safe distance away?
• Will I remember to blow them out when leaving the house or going to bed?
If you answered “no” to any of these questions, it is probably best to keep the
candles unlit, or consider the option of purchasing a realistic, battery
operated flameless candle.
From all of us at the Edina Fire Department, have a safe and happy holiday
season. More info at www.CityofEdina.com/Fire or 952-826-0378.
|
