Holiday Fire Safety

The Christmas holiday is fast approaching, Midway FIre Rescue wants everyone to have a safe and happy holiday. Midway Fire Rescue would like to provide you with 12 holiday tips for the holiday season along with some awesome printable handouts by the National Fire Protection Agency.

Holiday Fire Safety Tip #1: WATER FRESH TREES DAILY. Once you get your real tree home, cut some of the trunk off the bottom and place in water to keep the tree well hydrated. Ensure you keep your tree away from any ignition sources such as fireplaces, heaters or candles.

Holiday Fire Safety Tip #2: CHECK ALL SETS OF LIGHTS BEFORE DECORATING. Before putting lights on the tree or hanging on the house, checks the cords closely and discard any that are frayed or damaged.

Holiday Fire Safety Tip #3: MAKE SURE YOU HAVE WORKING SMOKE ALARMS. Smoke alarms wear out so replace them every 10 years. With family and friends visiting over the holidays, you'll want to make everyone safe.

Holiday Fire Safety Tip #4: MAKE SURE YOU HAVE WORKING CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS. Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless gas that can quickly kill you. Remember, CO alarms do wear out, so replace them every 7-10 years depending on the manufacturer.

Holiday Fire Safety #5: MAKE SURE EVERYONE KNOWS HOW TO GETOUT SAFELY IF A FIRE OCCURS. Develop and practice a home escape plan. Once out of the house, stay outside and call 911 from a cellphone or neighbors phone.

Holiday Fire Safety #6: USE EXTENSION CORDS WISELY. People often use extension cords for lights or to make that Santa dance in the corner of the room. Extension cords should only be used as a temporary connection. Never place cords under rugs as this can cause damage to the cord and cause a fire.

Holiday Fire Safety #7: GIVE SPACE HEATERS SPACE. If using small space heaters, keep at least a 3 feet area around clear of items that can burn such as curtains, upholstery or holiday decorations.

Holiday Fire Safety #8: WHEN YOU GO OUT, BLOW OUT! Candles can set the perfect mood for holiday decoration, but do not forget to blow out candles before leaving a room or going to bed. Keep lit candles away from children, pets and any items that can burn.

Holiday Fire Safety Day #9: KEEP MATCHES AND LIGHTERS OUT OF THE SIGHT AND REACH OF CHILDREN. People often keep matches and lighters handy to light holiday candles. However these items can be deadly in the hands of children. Keep them out of sight and reach.

Holiday Fire Safety #10: WATCH WHAT YOU HEAT! The holiday season is one of the busiest times of the year. It becomes easy to get distracted from what yoiu are doing, especially while cooking. Cooking fires most commonly occur due to being unattended. Always stay in the kitchen when cooking - especially if using oil or high temperatures.

Holiday Fire Safety Day #11: ENCOURAGE SMOKERS TO SMOKE OUTSIDE. Careless smoking is the leading cause of fatal fires. Use large, deep ashtrays that can't be knocked over and make sure cigarette butts are properly extinguished.

Holiday Fire Safety Day #12: THERE'S MORE TO RESPONSIBLE DRINKING THAN TAKING A CAB HOME. With all the festive cheer this time of year, keep a close eye on anyone attempting to cook or smoke while under the influence of alcohol. Alcohol is all too often a common factor in many fatal fires.

Enjoy Your Holiday - MFR