Press Release - December 9, 2003 - Christmas Fire Safety

Date:
December 9, 2003

Contact:
Robert Korb, Jr., CFI - Deputy Fire Marshal
Phone: (410) 632-5666 Ext.4; Email: rkorb@co.worcester.md.us

Christmas Fire Safety

The Worcester County Fire Marshal's Office encourages citizens to take fire safety precautions when enjoying the Christmas holiday season.

Holiday safety should be part of our planning when preparing for the upcoming festivities. Here are a few suggestions to make your holiday season one to be remembered.

A Few Suggestions

Be sure to test your smoke detectors. Replace the batteries if necessary.
Clean the oven and stove prior to the holiday. Often the extra load on these appliances causes a fire due to the high use and extra grease build-up.
Keep kitchen clutter away from the stove and oven.
Use extreme caution with matches and candles. Candles should be made of flame retardant materials - look for a label stating such.
Avoid loose, flammable clothing. Clothing often catches on fire around candles, matches, fireplaces and stoves (both electric and gas).
Keep decorations away from sources of heat such as open flames, electric heaters and exposed electric bulbs.
Don't overload electric outlets. Inspect electrical cords and light sets. If in doubt - throw them out.

Christmas Trees

Keep your Christmas tree in a sturdy base filled with water and check the water level daily.
Spraying the Christmas tree with a flame retardant is always a good idea.
Make a fresh cut on the trunk of your tree and place in a sturdy holder.
Place the tree away from heat sources, such as fireplaces and heaters.
Do not use candles on or near the tree.
Safely dispose of your tree before it becomes dangerously dry, however never burn tree or tree parts in your fireplace.

Christmas Lights

Purchase only UL approved lights.
Check all indoor and outdoor lights for frayed cords, replace if necessary.
Never use lights that have an empty socket.
Lights should not touch combustible materials.
Use only outdoor lights for "outdoors"
Turn off all Christmas lights, prior to leaving your home or going to bed.
Mini lights are safest because they produce less heat.
Avoid using extension cords, but if you do follow instructions carefully.
Do not overload electrical circuits, such as wall outlets and extension cords, use a circuit strip.

Wrapping Paper

Keep combustible wrapping paper away from heat sources.
Never burn wrappings in your fireplace.

Brochures or More Information

The Worcester County Fire Marshal's Office has brochures and other safety related information. We would like to hear from you if you have questions or concerns about Christmas Fire Safety or any other fire safety matters.

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For further information, the Worcester County Fire Marshal's Office can be reached by calling 410-632-5666 or on the web at www.wcfmo.org.