NYS Firemen’s Association Wants Homeowners to Keep Fire Safety at Top of Holiday Wish List
FASNY Tips on How to Prevent Decorations from Becoming Fire Hazards
NEW YORK – Electric lights and candles may add a joyous and festive mood to the holiday season, but when they are not used properly, they can cause fires, injuries and even death. The Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY) reminds everyone to practice important, life-saving precautions during this time of year.
“This holiday season, some homeowners will light candles, unwittingly use older electric light strands with frayed wiring or broken bulbs, or bring dry Christmas trees into their homes” said FASNY President Thomas J. Cuff. “These are all fire hazards, and during this time of year, we tend to see an increase in the number of house fires. We urge homeowners to use caution and observe basic safety tips to ensure that these remain truly happy holidays.”
In the most recent data compiled by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated average of 1,150 home structure fires that began with holiday decorations from 2002-2005. These fires caused an annual average of three civilian fire deaths, 56 civilian fire injuries and $24.8 million in direct property damage. The NFPA also says candles started 56% of home decoration structure fires and one-quarter of the home decoration fires occurred in December.
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 many dry needles fall, 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 its appearance. The paint used may not only be non-combustible, but could be hazardous as well. When in doubt, ASK the seller if he or she sells 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; also, 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; 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 non-combustible 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 Underwiters’ 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 that 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 indicated 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 your energy bills as well!
If you light holiday candles or candelabras (menorahs, Kwanzaa candelabras, 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, follow manufacturers’ instructions.
For more information, visit the National Fire Protection Association website at www.nfpa.org.
*PRODUCERS/EDITORS: To arrange an interview with your local FASNY representative or for more information, please contact one of the following:
Contact: Sid M. Dinsay, (212) 981-5166 / (917) 370-8631;
Casey Cipriani, (212) 685-4300
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