Kentwood Fire Department Offers Holiday Safety Tips

Cooking, Christmas trees, candles and holiday decorations all contribute to seasonal home fires.

The Kentwood Fire Department shares tips to keep you and your family safe this holiday season.

COOKING

Unattended cooking is the leading cause of U.S. home fires and home fire injuries. Kentwood Fire Marshal Tim Maday says to stay in the kitchen while you’re frying, grilling or broiling food. Most cooking fires involve the stovetop, so keep anything that can catch fire away from it, and turn off the stove when you leave the kitchen. If you’re simmering, boiling, baking or roasting food, check on the food regularly and use a timer.

A “kid-free zone” of at least three feet around the stove and preparation areas is also recommended.

CANDLES

December is the peak month for home candle fires. The National Fire Protection Association says two of every five home decoration fires are started by candles.

The City of Kentwood Fire Department encourages all residents to use flameless candles, which look and smell like real candles. Real candles should be kept at least 12” away from anything that can burn and they should be blown out when you leave the room.

Use candle holders that are sturdy, won’t tip over, and are placed on uncluttered surfaces.

Avoid using candles in the bedroom where one-third of candle fires begin or in other areas where people may fall asleep.

Never leave a child or pet alone in a room with a burning candle.

CHRISTMAS TREES

The National Fire Protection Association says U.S. fire departments respond to an average of 230 home structure fires caused by Christmas trees each year. One out of three is caused by electrical problems. One in six is from a heat source that’s too close to the tree.

The Kentwood Fire Department offers these tips:

• If you have an artificial tree, be sure it’s labeled by the manufacturer as fire retardant.
• If you choose a fresh tree don't let it dry out. Make sure the green needles don’t fall off when touched. Cut 2 inches from the base of the trunk before placing it in the stand. Water the tree daily.
• Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit and is at least three feet away from any heat source including: fireplaces, space heaters, radiators, candles, heat vents and lights.
• Use lights that have the label of a recognized testing laboratory. Make sure you know whether the lights are designed for indoor or outdoor use.
• Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords, or loose bulb connections. Read manufacturer’s instructions for number of light strands to connect.
• Never use lit candles to decorate a tree.
• Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving the home or going to bed.
• After Christmas, get rid of the tree. Dried-out trees are a fire hazard and should not be left in the home or garage, or placed outside the home.
• Bring outdoor electrical lights inside after the holidays to prevent hazards and make them last longer.

Have a safe and happy holiday season!