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Beware of costumes made of paper, the touch of a flame can set them on fire in an instant.
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When you are buying costumes, buy only those labeled "flameproof."
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Keep all costumes and decorations away from electric light bulbs and open flames.
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When wearing your costume, keep away from fireplaces, stoves, matches, and candles that are lit.
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Use electric lights around all decorations instead of candles, and make certain that decorations do not come in contact with light bulbs.
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Use a small flashlight in place of candles in your jack-o-lanterns.
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Don't place dry decorations like cornstalks near fireplaces or other sources of heat.
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Autumn leaves, cornstalks, and branches used as decorations may be a dangerous fire hazard.
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Make sure that decorations such as pumpkins and cornstalks do not block doorways or stairs.
DECEMBER HOLIDAY FIRE SAFETY
Each year fires associated with the holiday season injure 1,200 individuals and cause over $25 million in damage.
PREVENTING HOLIDAY TREE FIRES
Special fire safety precautions need to be taken when keeping a live tree in the house. A burning tree can rapidly fill a room with fire and deadly gases.
SELECTING A TREE FOR THE HOLIDAY
Needles on fresh trees should be green and hard to pull back from the branches, and the needle should not break if the tree has been freshly cut. The trunk should be sticky to the touch. Bouncing the tree truck on the ground can identify old trees. If many needles fall off, the tree has been cut too long, has probably dried out, and is a fire hazard.
CARING FOR YOUR TREE
Do not place your tree close to a heat source, including a fireplace or heat vent. The heat will dry out the tree, causing it to be more easily ignited by heat, flame or sparks. Be careful not to drop or flick cigarette ashes near a tree. Do not put your live tree up too early or leave it up for longer than two weeks. Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times.
DISPOSING OF YOUR TREE
Never put tree branches or needles in a fireplace or wood-burning stove. When the tree becomes dry, discard it promptly. The best way to dispose of your tree is by taking it to a recycling center or having it hauled away by a community pick-up service.
HOLIDAY LIGHTS
Maintain your holiday lights. Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking or wear before putting them up. Use only lighting listed by an approved testing laboratory. Do not overload electrical outlets. Do not link more than three light strands, unless the directions indicate it is safe. Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet. Make sure to periodically check the wires – they should not be warm to the touch. NEVER LEAVE HOLIDAY LIGHTS ON UNATTENDED
HOLIDAY DECORATIONS
Use only nonflammable decorations. All decorations should be nonflammable or flame-retardant and placed away from heat vents. Never put wrapping paper in a fireplace. It can throw off dangerous sparks and produce a chemical buildup in the home that could cause an explosion. Make sure you metallic or artificial tree is flame retardant.
CANDLE CARE
Avoid using lit candles, if you do use them, make sure they are in stable holders and place them where they cannot be easily knocked down. Never leave the house with candles burning. Never put lit candles on a tree. Do not go near a holiday tree with an open flame – candles, lighters, or matches.
Finally, as in every season, have working smoke alarms installed on every level of your home, test them monthly and keep them clean and equipped with fresh batteries at all times. Know when and how to call for help. And remember to practice your home escape plan.
FIREWORK SAFETY
If you have any questions please feel free to contact the Atchison
Fire Department at 367-4329.
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