Avoid Holiday Fire Disasters
The holidays are a special time of year when families come together to celebrate. Unfortunately, the holidays are also the busiest time of year for firefighters. With the introduction of cold weather and increased use of candles and decorations, residential fires typically peak in December and January. Please follow some of these simple tips from the Euless Fire Department to keep your family safe.
Candle Safety:
- Keep matches, lighters and lit candles out of reach of children and pets.
- Burn candles away from windows, doors, drafts, other heat sources and flammable materials.
- Don't place them on Christmas trees.
- Never allow a candle flame to touch any glass surface.
- Don't burn candles more than four hours at a time.
- Remove labels and tags from candles before burning.
- Keep wicks trimmed to ¼ inch at all times.
- Extinguish candles by wetting the wick rather than blowing out.
Christmas Tree Decorating:
- If you purchase an artificial tree, select one that is listed as flame retardant.
- If you wish to purchase a live tree, choose one that is not already loosing needles excessively. This may indicate that it is already dried out.
- When you get your live tree home, cut one inch off the base and stand the tree in a bucket of water for twenty-four hours in the garage or other unheated portion of your home. Cut off another inch before placing the tree in a sturdy tree stand that will hold one gallon of water.
- Keep your tree stand full of water so your tree will remain fresh throughout the season.
- Place your tree away from exits, heat discharge vents and heat sources such as stoves, space heaters and fireplaces. These dry out trees and are potential sources of ignition.
- Use lights listed by Underwriters Laboratories, and do not string together more than the manufacturer recommends. NEVER USE CANDLES!
- Turn off all electric decorations when you go to bed or when leaving your home.
- Keep an eye on those small, inquisitive kids when they are near the tree.
Turkey Frying:
- Turkey fryers should always be used outdoors on a flat surface away from buildings and other material that can burn.
- Never use turkey fryers on wooden decks or in garages.
- Never leave the fryer unattended. Most units do not have thermostat controls. If you don't watch the fryer carefully, the oil will continue to heat until it catches fire.
- Never let children or pets near the fryer when in use. Even hours after use, the oil inside can remain dangerously hot.
- Avoid oil spillover and do not overfill the fryer.
- Use well-insulated potholders or oven mitts when touching pot or lid handles. If possible, wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from oil splatter.
- Oil and water don't mix so be sure the turkey is completely thawed before cooking.
- Keep an all-purpose fire extinguisher nearby.
- Never use water to extinguish a grease fire.
Remember to use your best judgment when attempting to fight a fire. If the fire is manageable, use an all-purpose fire extinguisher. If the fire increases, immediately call 9-1-1 for help. Follow these tips for a safe and wonderful holiday season!
If you have any questions please call the Fire Marshal's Office at 817-685-1600.
