The winter holidays are a fun time for families and friends to get together. But it is also a time of increased risk for fire. The Crookston Fire Department has a few safety tips to ensure a happy and fire-safe holiday season.
“When using candles make sure they’re not unattended,” says firefighter Shane Heldstab. “When we get snow, what we ask is if you have a fire hydrant in your area to take the initiative to keep an area three feet by three feet around the hydrant clear of snow so if we are needed, we can do our job quicker and safer.”
Other fire tips include making sure sidewalks, driveways and entry doors are clear of ice and snow. Also, make sure to blow out lit candles when leaving a room or going to bed. More than one-third of decoration fires are started by candles.
HOLIDAY DECORATING
Be careful with holiday decorations. Choose decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant.
Keep lit candles away from decorations or other things that can burn.
Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both.
Use clips, not nails, to hang lights so the cords do not get damaged.
Keep decorations away from windows and doors.
HOLIDAY ENTERTAINING
Test your smoke alarms and tell guests about your home fire escape plans.
Keep children and pets away from candles.
Keep matches and lighters up high in a locked cabinet.
Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop.
Ask smokers to smoke outside. Remind smokers to keep their smoking materials with them so young children do not touch them.
Provide large, deep ashtrays for smokers. Wet cigarette butts with water before discarding.
