By Khalida Sarwari
In the excitement of rushing from store to store in pursuit of the perfect gift, concocting a new casserole recipe or hanging an ornament here and draping a garland there, it’s easy to compromise safety during the holidays, but this is the time of year when a little extra caution can go a long way, fire safety experts say.
According to Gina Cali, senior program specialist with the Santa Clara County Fire Department’s community education services, there’s an increase in emergency calls this time of year involving kitchen fires and heating or electrical issues. She offered some tips for residents to get the most out of the season while prioritizing safety.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, December is the leading month nationwide for candle fires, according to Cali. Candles pose a threat in the home if not used properly or placed in an appropriate location. Keeping them away from anything flammable is key, said Cali, including trees, as beautiful as they may look on there. It’s also important to blow candles out upon leaving the house for a long period of time or once you’re ready to call it a day.
“Most ethnicities celebrate with candles in one way or another,” she said. “It’s always recommended that candles are put in a tall container–like a glass container–so that the flame won’t be exposed.”
Nothing compares to the glow and warmth that exudes from a brightly decorated Christmas tree, but one wrong note can spell disaster and dim the brightest lights. Some important things to remember about trees is that they’re flammable and belong nowhere near a fireplace, radiators or other sources of heat. They shouldn’t be blocking any exits either, for that matter. Also, fresh trees require water every day, said Cali.
“They should never be impinging on egress and potential heat sources,” she said.
Refrain from using nails to hang decorative lighting, said Cali, and be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when hanging them.
“You want to make sure that whatever lighting is used, the cords aren’t frayed or cracked,” Cali said. “If they are, [you’ll] want to replace it immediately.”
Some other general reminders are to avoid overloading outlets; if you need to plug in more than two cords, use a surge protector. And maintaining working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms is crucial, “because if a fire does break out, that’s going to be the first line of defense,” said Cali.
Maintenance requires a monthly test and changing the battery at least once a year. The life expectancy of both battery-operated and hardwired smoke alarms is eight to 10 years.
Cali advised households with small children to keep them away from matches and lighters, as children under the age of 5 are at high risk of starting and dying in fires, she said. To prevent such a tragedy, it’s best to keep matches and lighters out of their reach.
“They should never be sitting out on the kitchen counter or bathroom counter,” she said.
And while advice about keeping a watchful eye over the stove applies year-round, it’s especially pertinent during the holidays when people spend more time in the kitchen. It’s worth keeping in mind that one moment of distraction can put a major damper on the festive mood. The simple rule here is to practice cooking safety and never leave the stove unattended.
Using these safety tips, residents should be able to enjoy the season with a peace of mind.
“Just be careful and just be aware, but enjoy the holiday season,” Cali said.
For more tips, visit the county fire department website at sccfd.org.
