For Immediate Release

Monday, Dec. 21, 2015

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 978-841-9948
Email: john@jgpr.net

Maynard Fire Department Provides Holiday and Decor Safety Tips to Residents

MAYNARD – As friends and families gather to celebrate the holidays this week, Chief Anthony Stowers and the Maynard Fire Department are reminding residents to be aware of holiday and decorating safety tips to ensure a joyous and fire-safe season this year.

“It is extremely important for everyone to be reminded of fire safety as they prepare to gather with friends and family to celebrate the holidays,” Chief Stowers said. “With an increase in cooking and decorating, there is also an increase in the risk for fires. We want all of our residents to consider the safety tips provided to be sure they can all safely enjoy their celebrations this holiday season.”

According to the National Fire Protection Association, two of every five home decoration fires are started by candles and nearly half of decoration fires happen because decorations are placed too close to a heat source.

In order to keep your home safe from fire during the holiday season this year, Chief Stowers recommends residents consider the following safety tips outlined by the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services:

• Water fresh Christmas trees daily, and keep them away from heaters, fireplaces and candles.
• Turn off holiday lights when you leave the house or go to bed.
• Always blow out candles before leaving a room or going to sleep. Be sure to burn candles inside a one-foot “circle of safety”, free of anything that can catch fire.
• Never leave cooking unattended and keep a timer with you when baking. If a pan catches fire, put a lid on it to smother the flames and turn off the heat.
• Keep space heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn like curtains, upholstery or holiday decorations.
• Keep matches and lighters out of sight and reach of children.
• Develop and practice a home fire escape plan with at least two ways out and a meeting place outdoors. In the event of a fire, get out and stay out of the house and call 911.
• Make sure all smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms are working. Consider placing a battery operated smoke detector right inside your tree.
• Use caution with extension cords. Don’t overload them and never put cords underneath rugs, as this can damage the cord and cause an electrical fire.
• If you or anyone in your family smokes, do so outside with a proper ash tray to dispose of cigarettes.

For more information on holiday safety tips, visit the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services’ website or contact the Maynard Fire Department at 978-897-1015.

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