Fire Safety during Christmas (2006)

Fire safety should be part of everyone’s planning when preparing for the upcoming holiday season festivities. Here are a few suggestions from the Red Bluff Fire Department to help make your holiday season a safe one.

A Few Suggestions

• Be sure to test your smoke detectors. Replace the batteries if necessary. 

• Clean the oven and stove prior to the holiday. Often the extra load on these appliances causes a fire due to the high use and extra grease build-up. 

• Keep kitchen clutter away from the stove and oven.  

• Use extreme caution with candles; never leave them unattended.

• Keep decorations away from sources of heat such as open flames, electric heaters and exposed electric bulbs.  

• Don't overload electric outlets. Inspect electrical cords and light sets. If in doubt – throw them out.

Christmas Trees

• Make a fresh cut on the trunk of your tree and place in a sturdy base.  

• Keep your Christmas tree base filled with water and check the water level daily. 

• Spraying the Christmas tree with a flame retardant is always a good idea.  

• Locate the tree away from heat sources, such as fireplaces and heaters.  

• Do not use candles on or near the tree.  

• Safely dispose of your tree before it becomes dangerously dry, however never burn tree or tree parts in your fireplace.

Christmas Lights

• Purchase only UL approved lights.  

• Check all indoor and outdoor lights for frayed cords, replace if necessary.  

• Never use lights that have an empty socket.  

• Lights should not touch combustible materials.  

• Use only outdoor lights for "outdoors".  

• Turn off all Christmas lights, prior to leaving your home or going to bed.  

• Mini lights are safest because they produce less heat.  

• Avoid using extension cords, but if you do follow instructions carefully.  

• Do not overload electrical circuits, such as wall outlets and extension cords, use a circuit strip.  Overloaded circuits are a primary reason for electrical fires during the holidays.

Wrapping Paper

• Keep combustible wrapping paper and gift boxes away from heat sources.  

• Never burn wrappings in your fireplace.