Estero Fire Rescue

‘Tis the season to be SAFE….

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree”         

The National Fire Protection Association estimates that there are approximately 500 Christmas tree fires every year, resulting in more than 20 deaths, 117 injuries, and $20 million in damage.  There are steps that you can take to reduce the chances that your family will be affected by this type of tragedy.

A dried-out Christmas tree can be totally consumed by fire in less than 30 seconds.  When picking out your tree, select the freshest-looking one-needles should be hard to pull from the branches, the trunk butt should be sticky with resin, and when tapped on the ground, the tree should not lose many needles.

Resistant” label.  Although this label does not mean the tree will not catch fire, it does indicate the tree will resist burning and should extinguish quickly.

from heat sources and exits.  For a real tree, use a stand with a water reservoir and keep the reservoir filled.

 DON’T FORGET TO UNPLUG TREE LIGHTS AND OTHER DECORATIONS WHEN LEAVING HOME OR GOING TO SLEEP!

Lights Out!

Decorative lights add a festive touch to our homes during the holiday season, but can be dangerous when improperly assembled or used.

Only use lights that have been tested for safety.  You can identify these by a “UL” label from Underwriters Laboratories.

Check each set of lights for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections.

Check light labels to be sure that they are suitable for outdoor use if you intend to use them in the yard or on your home’s exterior.  Never use indoor lights for this purpose.  Fasten outdoor lights securely to trees, walls, and other firm support to protect them from wind damage.

 Be careful how you string your Christmas tree lights:  keep all bulbs turned away from gifts and paper ornaments.

Indoor lights strung carelessly in windows can cause curtains or drapes to ignite

      DO NOT OVERLOAD ELECTRICAL OUTLETS.

Candle With Care

Candles are a traditional and beautiful art of the season, but they are still a direct source of fire in your home.  Keep all candles a safe distance from other things, and in a place where they cannot be knocked down or blown over, or reached by little ones and pets.  Never use lighted candles on a tree.  Always use non-flammable holders.

Wrap It Up!

Dispose of gift wrappings soon after opening presents.  A room full of paper lying around on the floor and furniture is yet another holiday hazard.  Do not burn wrappings in a fireplace; they may ignite suddenly and cause a flash fire.

What’s Cooking?

Holidays mean lots of cooking and LOTS of eating, and there’s more to worry about than just gaining those extra pounds!

Keep ranges clean and free of grease.

Turn pot handles away from the front of the range so pots won’t be knocked over.

Wear appropriate clothes when cooking; roll or tie back long or loose sleeves or accessories.

Keep children away from the range at all times.

Never leave the kitchen unattended when food is cooking.

It’s for Kissing, not Eating!

Holly and mistletoe can be fatal to a small child, and the smaller the child, the smaller the dose that can cause serious medical problems.  Poinsettia leaves are not fatal if swallowed, but can cause a skin rash and an upset stomach.  Call 911 if your children ingest any of these holiday plants.

Your tree can also present poisoning hazards.  When choosing the finishing touches for decorating your tree, purchase tinsel or artificial icicles of a non-leaded material.  Leaded materials may be hazardous if eaten by children or pets.

ESTERO FIRE RESCUE WISHES YOU A SAFE HOLIDAY SEASON, AND A HEALTHY, HAPPY NEW YEAR. 

REMEMBER TO ENJOY THE FESTIVITIES RESPONSIBLY—

CHOOSE A DESIGNATED DRIVER