Holiday Fire and Life Safety Tips from the Euclid Fire Department

Hello, Euclid! The Euclid Fire Department and the State Fire Marshal would like to take a moment of your time to remind you to be safe during this festive season. In order to protect yourself, your family, and your home we’d like to warn you of three factors which pose an increased fire risk during the holidays: decorative lighting, live Christmas trees, and unattended candles. 

            “Used properly, these can be important family traditions,” says Marshal Flowers, “and while Christmas tree fires are not common, when they occur, they often become deadly.”

            According to the National Fire Protection Association, one third of holiday fires are electrical failures. Never use lights with damaged sockets or wires. Check each strand before putting them up because they may have been damaged in storage. If you find damage to sockets or strands, place them in the garbage. Again, do not use damaged lights. Replace burned-out bulbs with bulbs of the same wattage as indicated on the tag of the light set.

DECORATIVE LIGHTING SAFETY TIPS

1. Purchase lights that have an Underwriters Laboratories (UL) label and only use the lights according the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Outdoor lights are specifically labeled for outdoor use. Outdoor lights should be fastened securely and placed on a ground fault interrupter circuit. 
3. Do not connect too many light sets together and never use extension cords that are worn or cracked. Do not run them under rugs or over sharp objects.
4. Turn off the lights when you go to bed or leave the house.

CHRISTMAS TREE SAFETY TIPS

1. Live Christmas trees should be as fresh as possible. Make a fresh cut at the base of the trunk, and place the tree in a sturdy stand; water it daily. When the tree becomes dry remember to discard it promptly.
2. One in five holiday fires occur because a heat source is too close to the tree. Locate the tree as far away from heat sources as possible. Never place lighted candles on or near the tree. In addition, do not place candles anywhere near the tree; they may fall if knocked over by a pet or child. 
3. Do not block your primary or alternative escape routes with a tree, decorations, or presents.

The Euclid Fire Department encourages all citizens to have a working smoke alarm installed on each level of the home.  Please remember to have a home fire escape plan and practice it twice a year. We want you and your family to enjoy the holidays. If you need our services, please call. We’ll be there! Stay safe, and thanks for your time. 

Will Anderson is the Platoon Chief of the Euclid Fire Department.