Prevent Holiday Home Fires
News Release: December 16, 2008
Contact: Janice Osborne, Director-Communications and Marketing; American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley (610) 865-4400, ext. 262; pager (610) 508-4378

The American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley urges families to follow simple safety tips to keep the season merry and to prevent holiday fires. During the winter holiday season the incidence and severity of home fires dramatically increases. Many of these fires are caused by home heating sources, unattended cooking, and candles.

“Many home fires can be prevented, and that’s what makes this type of disaster so devastating,” said Cordelia E. Miller, director of emergency services at the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh. “The holidays can be a time of celebration, and by following a few quick safety tips you can help to prevent your family’s festivities from being disrupted by a fire. Making safety an important part of your holiday preparations can help you do this.”

To prevent holiday home fires, the Red Cross recommends keeping all potential fuel sources, including decorations and evergreen trees and wreaths, at least three feet from heat sources such as candles, heat vents, fireplaces and radiators. In addition, holiday lights and candles need to be turned off or extinguished before leaving the room or going to bed, and especially before leaving home. If you are entertaining guests, designate a responsible family member to walk around your home ensuring that candles and smoking materials are properly extinguished once guests leave.

“In addition to following safety precautions with holiday lights and decorations, this is a great time for greater Lehigh Valley families to make sure that their smoke alarms are functioning properly and practice their home fire escape plan,” Miller added.

At a minimum, smoke alarms need to be installed outside of each sleeping area and on each level of your home. If you sleep with closed doors, install alarms inside sleeping areas too. Use the test button to test each smoke alarm once a month. All smoke alarm batteries need to be replaced once a year. Fire escape plans should include at least two escape routes for every room in the home. Also choose a convenient meeting place at a safe distance from your home. Practice your escape plan at least twice a year with all family members.

The Red Cross recommends following these tips to help prevent holiday home fires:

Christmas Tree Care

• Purchase flame retardant artificial trees.

• If you purchase a real tree, make sure that it has fresh, green needles that aren’t easily broken. Keep live trees as moist as possible by giving them plenty of water.

• Use a sturdy tree stand designed not to tip over.

• Keep trees at least three feet away from heat sources, including fireplaces, portable heaters, radiators, heat vents and candles.

• Make sure that any light strings or other decorations for the tree are in good condition and follow manufacturer’s instructions for their use. Do not use anything with frayed electrical cords.

• Be careful not to drop or flick cigarette ashes near a tree.

• Never put tree branches or needles in a fireplace or wood burning stove.

• Safely dispose of trees as they become dry and needles begin to drop.

• Dispose of trees through recycling centers or community pick-up services. Dried-out trees should not be left at home or in a garage, or placed against the home or garage.


Holiday Lights and Decorations

• Always unplug tree and holiday lights before leaving home or going to bed.

• Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking or wear.

• Avoid overloading electrical outlets by not linking more than three light strands.

• Use decorations that are flame-resistant or flame-retardant.

• Place decorations at least three feet away from fireplaces, portable heaters, radiators, heat vents and candles.


Holiday Candles

• Remember that lit candles are fire. Always extinguish candles before leaving the room or going to bed.

• Keep candles away from trees, evergreens, holiday decorations, and other items that can catch on fire like clothing, papers and curtains.

• Use candle holders that are sturdy, won’t tip over easily, are made from a material that cannot burn, and are large enough to collect dripping wax.

• Place candles only where they cannot be reached or easily knocked over by children and pets.

• Consider using battery-operated “flameless” candles that are scented and have a flickering effect.

For more Red Cross fire safety and preparedness information visit www.redcrosslv.org. or call the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley at 610-865-4400.

The American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley serves nearly 690,000 residents of Carbon, Lehigh and Northampton counties. Last year the Red Cross provided health and safety education training; Lifeline, a personal response service for seniors; and emergency relief to more than 24,000 Greater Lehigh Valley residents. For more information about the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley or volunteer opportunities, call (610) 865-4400 or visit www.redcrosslv.org.