Celebrate the Holiday Season with Family, Fun and Fire Safety

When you're decking the halls this season, don't forget the fire extinguishers and smoke alarms.

Each year, fires during the holiday season claim the lives of more than 400 people, injure 1,650 more and cause more than $990 million in damage, according to the United States Fire Administration.

Lt. James Karasek of the has been on his share of fire calls during past holiday seasons.

“A couple of the calls were fires started by candles left burning too close to combustible materials,” he said.

Let There Be (Some) Light

Karasek urges people to use candles “sparingly and cautiously.”

“And keep them away from kids and real Christmas trees,” he said.

As for tree lights, Karasek said to ensure sure they’re in good working condition.

“Make sure the cords aren’t frayed and use the approved lights for the outdoors,” he said. “And never leave them on when you leave the house.”

Also, make sure not to overload electrical outlets.

According to a press release from the , residents should 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, and make sure to periodically check the wires. They should not be warm to the touch.

All holiday decorations should be nonflammable or flame-retardant and placed away from heat vents.

Don’t Burn, Baby Burn

Karasek hopes people will think twice this holiday season about disposing wrapping paper and gift boxes in the fireplace.

“That’s a good way to get a chimney fire doing that,” he said.

Residents should also never dispose of their trees in the fireplace, said Tri-State Fire Protection District officials.

Trees should not be left up for longer than two weeks. Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times. When the tree becomes dry, discard it promptly by taking it to a recycling center or having it hauled away by a community pick-up service.

Before using the fireplace this holiday season, make sure it has been maintained.

“You want to make sure those are kept up,” Karasek said. “Have your chimney sweeped to make sure it’s clean and in proper working condition so you can use it safely.”

Be Kind to Your City

Individuals can also be good stewards this holiday season by keeping the fire hydrants near their homes visible. If a plow buries a fire hydrant near your home with snow, help your neighbors by digging it out.

“That’s what we’re going to be using to get our water supply from,” Karasek said. “If we have to dig them out, that takes longer for us to get to the actual fire.”