Holiday Safety – Tip #3: Holiday Fire Hazards

December 11, 2008 on 9:47 am | In Home Safety Tips and Topics | No Comments

        Candles – Before lighting any holiday candles make sure the candles fit securely in the holder.  If you put any candles in the window, make sure to keep the flames a safe distance from the blinds or curtains.  Be sure all candles are out before going to be or leaving your home.

 

        Fireplaces – You should only burn dry hardwoods like oak and hickory.  Soft woods (like pine), scrap wood, pressure treated wood and trash spark more and can give off toxic fumes.

 

If your fireplace is equipped with gas or permanent (ceramic) logs, never add wood or other materials to the fire.

       

        Never burn wrapping paper or Christmas tree parts in the fireplace. 

 

        You should never use fire starters like kerosene, gasoline, or lighter fluid in the fireplace.

 

        Keep Christmas stockings and other decorations will away from flames.

               

        Never leave a fire unattended or alone with small children.  Always make sure the fire is out and the ashes are cold before cleaning the fireplace.  Ashes should be placed in a metal can.  Ashes placed in paper or plastic bags are a serious fire hazard.  Placing the bag outside or on the balcony can often make the hazard worse.  Some embers may take as long as three to four days to die.