STEWARTSVILLE FIRE CO. No. 1

BUREAU OF FIRE PREVENTION

WINTER FIRE SAFETY TIPS PAGE 2

BY FOLLOWING THESE  FIRE SAFETY TIPS,
WILL GREATLY REDUCE SEEING ONE OF THESE IN YOUR DRIVEWAY!

FIRE SAFE HOLIDAYS

Winter holidays are a time for celebration, and that means more cooking, lots of entertaining, and an increased
risk of fire. In recent years, nearly 600 fires per year have been started by ignition of Christmas trees in the U.S.
(510 in homes), causing an average of 33 deaths (in all homes), 112 injuries, and $21 million in direct property
damage per year. Decorating with candles can also be a fire hazard. An annual average of 6,700 home fires
are caused by candles every year, with 87 associated deaths and 587 injuries. Nearly $59 million in property
damage results from candle fires every year. Follow these fire prevention tips from NFPA to help keep your
family safer during the holidays.

HOLIDAY LIGHTING
Take care when burning candles. Be sure candles are placed in sturdy, non-combustible holders, and are
kept well away from decorations and other combustible materials. Check candles frequently to make sure
they don''t burn down too far or drip hot wax. Don't leave children unattended in a room with lit candles,
and always keep candles, as well as matches and lighters, up high, out of the reach of  children
(perferably stored in a locked cabinet). Don't display lighted candles in windows or near exits in case
you need these to escape. Under no circumstances is it safe to use candles to decorate Christmas
trees! Keep flashlights and fresh batteries on hand to use for lighting in the event of a power outage.

HOLIDAY ENTERTAINING

Use caution with holiday decorations and whenever possible, choose those made with flame-retardant
or non-combustible materials. When cooking for holiday visitors, remember to keep an eye on the range,
Unattended cooking is the leading cause of home fires in the U.S. If there are smokers around your home,
provide plenty of large, deep ashtrays and check them frequently. Cigarette butts can smolder and cause
a trash fire, so completely douse cigarette butts with water before discarding or flush them down the
toilet. After a party, always check inside and under upholstery and cushions and inside trash cans for
cigarette butts that may be smoldering. If you have children in your home, keep matches and lighters up,
high, out of their sight and reach (perferably in a locked cabinet) Ask visitors who are smokers to keep their
smoking materials with them when they are visiting in your home.

CHRISTMAS TREES

Choose a fresh Christmas tree, and put it in a stand designed not to tip over. Place the tree well away from
heat sources and exits, and water it constantly. If you purchase an artificial tree, be sure it is labeled as
fire-retardant. When decorating with lights be sure to purchase only those that bear the mark of a
testing laboratory. Replace any frayed or damaged cords. For outside decorations, use only those
lights labeled for outdoor use. Bring outdoor lights inside following the holidays so they are not
damaged by extended exposure to harsh weather conditions. Always unplug all lights before leaving home
or going to sleep and don't overload electrical outlets. Use only battery operated lights if you have a metal
Christmas tree, or decorate without lighting.





                                      BY FOLLOWING THESE FIRE SAFETY TIPS
                    YOUR FAMILY WILL ENJOY A FUN FIRE SAFE HOLIDAY!

"ALL FIRE SAFETY TIPS ARE COMPILED FROM NFPA"