Holiday Decorations

Whitman Fire Department Reminds Residents of Holiday Fire Safety Tips

⋅ Client News, Fire News ⋅ , , , , ⋅ 0 Comments

Whitman Fire Department
Timothy J. Grenno, Fire Chief
56 Temple St.
Whitman, MA 02382

For Immediate Release

Monday, Dec. 10, 2018

Contact: Benjamin Paulin
Phone: 781-428-3299
Email: [email protected]

Whitman Fire Department Reminds Residents of Holiday Fire Safety Tips

WHITMAN — With the holiday season upon us, Fire Chief Timothy J. Grenno and the Whitman Fire Department would like to remind residents to use caution when decorating their homes this month.

“We wish the holidays to be a great time for all residents this year so please be careful as you decorate your home with lights, trees and candles, in order to avoid injury and fires this season,” Chief Grenno said. “It is imperative that an emergency plan is in place if a fire breaks out anywhere in the home.”

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), between 2012-2016, fire departments responded to an average of 170 home fires that started with Christmas trees per year. These fires caused an average of four deaths, 15 injuries, and $12 million in direct property damage annually.

In order to prevent Christmas tree fires and other fires that can be caused by holiday decorations, Whitman Fire recommends that residents follow these safety tips provided by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission:

Christmas Trees

  • Many artificial trees are fire resistant. If you buy one, look for a tag or label specifying this protection.
  • Place trees away from fireplaces, radiators and other heat sources. Heated rooms dry trees out rapidly, creating fire hazards.
  • Cut off about two inches of the trunk to expose fresh wood for better water absorption. Heated rooms dry trees out rapidly, creating fire hazards.

Lights

  • Indoors or outside, use only lights that have been tested for safety. Identify these by the label from an independent testing laboratory.
  • Check each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. Discard damaged sets or repair them before using.
  • Use no more than three standard-size sets of lights per single extension cord.
  • Turn off all lights on trees and other decorations when you go to bed or leave the house. Lights could shorts and start a fire.

Candles 

  • Never use lighted candles on a tree or near other evergreens.
  • Always use non-flammable holders.
  • Keep candles away from other decorations and wrapping paper.
  • Place candles where they cannot be knocked down or blown over.

General Holiday Safety Tips

  • Keep matches, lighters, and candles out of reach of children.
  • Avoid smoking near flammable decorations.
  • Make an emergency plan to use if a fire breaks out anywhere in the home. See that each family member knows what to do. Practice the plan!
  • Avoid wearing loose flowing clothes — particularly long, open sleeves — near open flames – such as those of a fireplace, stove, or candlelight table.
  • Never burn candles near evergreens. Burning evergreens in the fireplace can also be hazardous. When dry, greens burn like tinder. Flames can flare out of control, and send sparks flying into a room, or up the chimney to ignite creosote deposits.

For more information on Christmas tree safety tips, visit the National Fire Protection Association website or contact the Whitman Fire Department at 781-447-7626.

###

Marion Fire Department Reminds Residents of Holiday Fire Safety Tips

⋅ Client News, Fire News ⋅ , , , , ⋅ 0 Comments

For Immediate Release

Thursday, Dec. 6, 2018

Contact: Benjamin Paulin
Phone: 781-428-3299
Email: [email protected]

Marion Fire Department Reminds Residents of Holiday Fire Safety Tips

MARION — With the holiday season officially upon us, Fire Chief Brian Jackvony and the Marion Fire Department would like to remind residents to be aware of fire hazards when illuminating their homes this month. 

“We want residents to remain safe and injury-free this season and to be extra mindful as they decorate their homes with lights, trees, and candles,” Chief Jackvony said. “Residents should take precautions and follow these simple tips to ensure a happy and fire-free holiday season.”

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), between 2012-2016, fire departments responded to an average of 170 home fires that started with Christmas trees per year. These fires caused an average of four deaths, 15 injuries, and $12 million in direct property damage annually. 


In order to prevent Christmas tree and other fires that can be caused by holiday decorations, Marion Fire recommends residents follow safety tips provided by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission:

Christmas Trees

  • Many artificial trees are fire resistant. If you buy one, look for a statement specifying this protection.
  • Place trees away from fireplaces, radiators and other heat sources. Heated rooms dry trees out rapidly, creating fire hazards.
  • Cut off about two inches of the trunk to expose fresh wood for better water absorption.

Lights

  • Indoors or outside, use only lights that have been tested for safety. Identify these by the label from an independent testing laboratory.
  • Check each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. Discard damaged sets or repair them before using. 
  • Use no more than three standard-size sets of lights per single extension cord. 
  • Turn off all lights on trees and other decorations when you go to bed or leave the house. Lights could short and start a fire. 

Candles

  • Never use lighted candles on a tree or near other evergreens.
  • Always use non-flammable holders.
  • Keep candles away from other decorations and wrapping paper.
  • Place candles where they cannot be knocked down or blown over.

General Rules for Holiday Safety

  • Keep matches, lighters, and candles out of reach of children.
  • Avoid smoking near flammable decorations.
  • Make an emergency plan to use if a fire breaks out anywhere in the home. See that each family member knows what to do. Practice the plan!
  • Avoid wearing loose flowing clothes — particularly long, open sleeves — near open flames – such as those of a fireplace, stove, or candlelight table. 
  • Burning evergreens in the fireplace can also be hazardous. When dry, greens burn like tinder. Flames can flare out of control, and send sparks flying into a room, or up the chimney to ignite creosote deposits. 

For more information on Christmas tree safety tips, visit the National Fire Protection Association website or contact the Marion Fire Department at 508-748-3596.

###

*Joint Release* Burlington Police and Fire Departments Share Holiday Decorating Safety Tips

⋅ Client News, Fire News, Police News ⋅ , , , , ⋅ 0 Comments

Burlington Police Department
Michael Kent
Chief of Police
45 Center St.
Burlington, MA 01803
Burlington Fire Department
Steven Yetman, Fire Chief
21 Center St.
Burlington, MA 01803

For Immediate Release

Monday, Dec. 4, 2017

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

 

*Joint Release*

Burlington Police and Fire Departments Share Holiday Decorating Safety Tips

BURLINGTON — With the holiday season in full swing, Police Chief Michael Kent and Fire Chief Steven Yetman would like to provide residents with several important decorating safety tips to best ensure that everyone enjoys this time of year.

“While we love seeing the decorations many of our residents display for the holidays, we want to remind everyone to make sure they’re properly and safely put in place,” Chief Kent said. “We know people have a lot going on this time of year, but taking these few extra steps can help to avoid any unfortunate mishaps.”

According to the National Fire Protection Association, electrical distribution or lighting equipment was involved in two out of every five Christmas tree fires in homes. Additionally, the top four days for home candle fires were New Year’s Day, Christmas, New Year’s Eve and Christmas Eve.

“The holiday season is when most house fires occur each year,” Chief Yetman said. “Please be sure be mindful not to plug in too many lights and decorations into extension cords and power strips so they don’t become overloaded.”

In order to keep your home safe from fire this season, Chief Kent and Chief Yetman recommend residents follow safety tips from 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 1-foot “circle of safety,” free of anything that can catch fire.
  • Never leave food that’s 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 3 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 ashtray to dispose of cigarettes.

For more information on holiday safety tips, visit the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services’ website or contact the Burlington Police Department at 781-272-1212 or Burlington Fire Department at 781-272-2211.

###