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FASNY offers holiday tips for trees, lights, candles

Submitted

Thu, Dec 7th 2017 04:15 pm
Check your holiday safety list - twice!
Editorial by the Firemen's Association of the State of New York
The holiday season is officially underway, and New Yorkers are setting up Christmas trees, stringing lights, lighting candles, and getting into the spirit of things.
The Firemen's Association of the State of New York (FASNY) urges everyone to exercise caution and keep fire safety in mind when decorating for the holidays. When holiday lights and other decorations are not used properly, they can cause fires, injuries and even death.
"This is a special time of year, but it is important to exercise caution and take appropriate safety measures through the holiday season," FASNY President Ken Pienkowski said. "This is one of the busiest times of the year for house fires, and Christmas trees are a leading cause. FASNY encourages everybody to follow these safety tips and to not hesitate to call 911 in an emergency. We wish everybody a happy, healthy and safe holiday season."
According to the National Fire Protection Association, U.S. fire departments responded to a yearly average of 200 home fires that started with Christmas trees between 2011-15. These fires caused an average of six deaths, 16 injuries, and $14.8 million in direct property damage annually. One of every 32 reported home fires that began with a Christmas tree resulted in a death, compared to an average of one death per 143 total reported home fires. Electrical distribution or lighting equipment was involved in two of every five (40 percent) of home Christmas tree fires.
To see how quickly a dry Christmas tree can burn, view this video provided by the NFPA (and produced by the Consumer Product Safety Commission).
FASNY offers the following safety tips:
•When choosing a Christmas tree -
  • Check a tree for dryness while at the seller's lot - shake the trunk above a light-colored surface and watch for falling needles. If too dry, many needles will fall out. Choose a fresher tree.
  • Avoid trees with an artificial-looking green tint on the branches or trunk - these trees may have been spray-painted to improve their appearance. The paint used may not only be combustible, but could be hazardous, as well. When in doubt, ask the seller if they sell painted trees.
  • Have the merchant saw off an inch or two from the trunk of the tree to help keep the tree fresh longer at home. If your tree is left outside, placing the trunk in a bucket of water will help keep it fresh.
  • When disposing of a tree, do not leave it inside a home or building, and do not place it against the exterior of a home or building. In both cases, the tree is likely dried out and thus poses a fire hazard.
•When choosing holiday decorations and lighting -
  • When possible, choose decorations made with flame-resistant, flame-retardant or noncombustible materials. Look for these designations on the product's packaging.
  • Purchase lights and electrical decorations stamped with the name or symbol of an independent testing lab - for example, "UL," or Underwriters' Laboratories - and always follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation and maintenance.
  • Carefully inspect new and previously used light strands. Look for frayed cables and replace any damaged or missing bulbs before plugging lights in.
  • Do not overload extension cords, "power strips" and electrical outlets.
  • When using power cords to illuminate outdoor displays, ensure they are designated for external or outdoor use only - never use power cords that are meant for indoor use. Always check the product's packaging, which usually indicates outdoor or indoor use.
  • Turn lights off overnight. If possible, use a timer device to turn your lights off automatically. This not only lessens the risk of fire, but saves on energy bills as well.
•If you light holiday candles or candelabras (menorahs, window candles, etc.) -
  • Keep lighted candles and candelabras at least one foot away from any combustible materials. Do not place candles anywhere near window curtains, furniture, wrapped gifts or anything else that could easily ignite.
  • Place candles and candelabras where they cannot be knocked down or tipped/blown over. If possible, keep the candle inside a weighted holder or one with a wide base.
  • Extinguish a candle before it burns to within two inches of its holder.
  • Never leave a lighted candle unattended - extinguish a candle before leaving the room.
  • Discourage the use of candles in bedrooms and other areas where you may fall asleep.
  • Store matches and lighters in high places, out of the reach of children, and ideally inside a locked cabinet.
  • Consider using battery-powered candles instead. If using electrical "plug-in" candles, then follow manufacturers' instructions.
•Holiday cooking (home cooking equipment fires were 55 percent higher on Christmas Eve and 68 percent higher on Christmas Day) -
  • Stay in the kitchen while you're frying, grilling or broiling food.
  • Most cooking fires involve the stovetop. Keep anything that can catch fire away from it, and turn off the stove when you leave the kitchen, even if it's for a short period of time.
  • If you're simmering, boiling, baking or roasting food, check it regularly and use a timer to remind you you're cooking.
  • For homes with children, create a "kid-free zone" of at least three feet around the stove and areas where hot food and drinks are prepared or carried.
  • For more information, visit the National Fire Protection Association website at www.nfpa.org.
About FASNY
Founded in 1872, the Firemen's Association of the State of New York represents the interests of the approximately 110,000 volunteer firefighters and emergency medical personnel in New York state. For more information, visit www.fasny.com.

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