Union County Fire Department hopes that everyone had a great Thanksgiving Holiday. As that holiday comes to an end, we start to look forward to the Christmas season. This season brings Christmas trees, decorations, candles, and the multiple lights that we love to see each year. These bring excitement and great joy, but they also can bring some danger. Union County Fire Department would like to remind everyone of the increased fire dangers that are associated with this time of year.
Christmas trees, especially live trees, can be a fire risk. Live trees can dry out quickly due to the low humidity in the home. They must be watered regularly to prevent them from drying out and becoming a fire hazard. Everyone has seen a video on how fast a dry, live tree can catch fire and burn. When choosing a location for the tree, do not place it near any heat sources. It should be at least three feet away. Make sure that the tree is set up on a stable platform.
Trees can fall into a heat source if not stable. Christmas tree lights should always be turned off at night or when you are away. Christmas tree fires are not common but they can be very devastating to a home and the holidays.
Candles are associated with Christmas and the holidays. Increased use of candles, combined with an increase of combustible, seasonal decorations in many homes means more risk for fire. December is the peak time of the year for candle fires. Great care should be used around any open flames. Candles should be placed away from any flammable material. Children should not be allowed to have candles in their bedrooms or be allowed to use them. One-third of the candle fires happen in bedrooms.
Electrical fires increase during this time of the year. Lights, decorations, and extension cords should be inspected for frays or exposed wires prior to use. Overloaded electrical outlets and faulty wires are a common cause of holiday fires. Avoid plugging too many lights and decorations into an outlet. Overloaded circuits can overheat and start a fire. For those outdoor decorations, use Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) outlets. Use lights that have a seal of an accredited certification agency.
These are just a few things to keep in mind when decorating. Union County Fire Department would like for everyone to be safe when preparing their home for this holiday season.