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HOLIDAY SEASON POSES UNIQUE FIRE RISKS

State Fire Marshal Robert R. Rielage of the Ohio Department of Commerce is urging Ohio families to pay particular attention to fire safety this holiday season. The Marshal’s warning is aimed at reducing the number of holidays ruined by fire-related tragedies.  During the 2000 holiday season (November 22, 2000 to January 2, 2001), more than 2,200 residential fires occurred in Ohio.

 “Ohioans must recognize the additional risks from fire during the holiday season and take the necessary steps to reduce these risks.  This is the best way all of us can have a safe and enjoyable holiday season,” Marshal Rielage said. 

 According to Marshal Rielage, three factors pose an especially increased fire threat during the holiday season:  decorative lighting, live Christmas trees and unattended children.

DECORATIVE LIGHTING

 When purchasing or using decorative lighting, Marshal Rielage suggests the following fire safety tips:

 Purchase decorative lights that bear the label of a nationally recognized testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL), and use the lights according to the manufacturer’s instructions. 

 ·        Do not connect too many light sets together.  The manufacturer’s instructions will indicate how many sets can be safely connected (usually no more than three strings).  This will prevent overheating.

·        Install light sets outside the home only if they are specifically labeled for outside use.

·        Outdoor lights should be fastened with hangars, not staples, and should be placed on a ground fault interrupter circuit when possible.

·        Use the correct wattage replacement bulbs specified in the manufacturer’s instructions.  Replacing several lower wattage bulbs with higher wattage bulbs can cause overheating.

·        Replace light sets and extension cords that are worn or cracked.

·        Use as few extension cords as possible.  Do not run them under rugs or over sharp objects where damage may go unnoticed or where a door may close on them.

·        Decorative candles or menorahs should be secured so that they cannot be tipped over.  They should be kept away from material such as draperies, which may easily ignite.  Candles should be extinguished before leaving the house or going to bed.

LIVE CHRISTMAS TREES

Live Christmas trees should be as fresh as possible when brought into the home.  Prior to putting up the tree, make a fresh cut at the base of the trunk to allow for better water absorption.  The tree should then be placed in a sturdy stand.

 To keep the tree from drying out, place it as far away from heat sources as possible and water it daily.  Be sure the tree does not block your primary or alternative escape routes.  Remove the tree from the home as soon after Christmas as possible, as most fires involving Christmas trees occur near or after New Year’s Day.  “Natural Christmas trees are highly combustible.  Imagine the thought of having a forest fire inside your home, and you will understand how intense the fire and flames can be from a live tree,” said Marshal Rielage.

 UNATTENDED CHILDREN

 Fires caused by children increase during the holidays often with fatal consequences.  Parents who would not normally leave their children alone may be tempted to do so during the holidays to take care of last-minute details.  “ Parents should pay close attention to their family safety at this time of year,” said Marshal Rielage.

 “Children need to be closely supervised during the holiday season.  They need to be warned to stay away from matches, candles and decorative lighting.  In particular, younger children should be supervised at all times in rooms where candles are in use,” said Rielage.  He also noted that decorations should be child-proofed by parents, since children may attempt to swallow or eat bright attractive ornaments or suffer an electrical shock from biting into lights or extension cords.

 Additional Holiday Safety Tips:

 ·        With the increased possibility of fire around the holidays, ensure that every family member has practiced and is familiar with your home escape plan and that each person knows two ways out of every room in the house.

 ·        Make sure that all smoke detectors in your home are operational.  Ideally, every Ohio household should have a smoke detector on each level of the house and one inside individual sleeping quarters.  Don’t be tempted to borrow detector batteries to power toys.

 ·        Fireplaces should always be inspected before use and should never be used as an incinerator for wrapping paper or boxes after your gift exchange.

 ·        During the business holiday rush and increased traffic flows, make sure that you pull your vehicle as far right as you can and stop if you see or hear fire, police or emergency medical vehicles.  Also, be sure not to park in the fire lane while waiting outside a store for a friend or family member shopping inside.

 ·        Consider a practical gift this holiday season of smoke or carbon monoxide detector, fire extinguisher, first aid kit or flashlights.  They are inexpensive, easy to find and make unique stocking stuffers that can help save the life of a loved one.

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