COLUMBUS – Before the stockings are hung by the chimney with care, make sure you’ve taken the same amount of care with other Christmas decorations around your home.
The Office of the Ohio State Fire Marshal and American Electric Power has reminders for staying safe while also cutting your energy costs this holiday season.
Staying safe in the kitchen
- Always plug electrical appliances directly into an outlet, not an extension cord or power strip.
- While cooking, stay in the kitchen and remember to check on your food often.
- Keep pets and children away from cooking surfaces and nearby countertops.
- Keep a fire extinguisher nearby and never use water to extinguish a grease fire. Cover the pot or pan to smother the fire, turn off the appliance and call 911. If a fire starts in the oven, shut the oven to contain the fire, turn it off and call 911.
Source: AEP
Although Christmas tree fires are not common, when they do occur, they are more likely to be serious. Christmas tree fires are more serious than typical home fires with one of every 31 reported Christmas tree fires resulting in a fatality. On average, just one in 144 typical home fires
Whether live or artificial, locate the tree as far away from heat sources as possible.
Live Christmas trees should be as fresh as possible. Make a fresh cut at the base of the trunk and place the tree in a sturdy stand. Water it daily and discard it promptly when the tree becomes dry, according to the fire marshal.
Never place lit candles on or near the tree, or where the tree may fall if knocked over by a pet or child. Dispose of your tree shortly after Christmas.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, one of every three home Christmas tree fires is caused by electrical problems.
For safety and economy, try LED bulbs on your real or artificial tree unlike traditional bulbs, LEDs use 75% to 90% less electricity for the same amount of light. Make sure they bear the label of a nationally recognized testing laboratory such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
Decorating safely
- Inspect lights each year and throw them away if they have frayed or pinched wires.
- Outdoor lights are specifically labeled for outdoor use and should be fastened securely and placed on a ground fault interrupter circuit.
- Do not connect too many light sets together and never use extension cords that are worn or cracked.
- Do not run them under rugs or over sharp objects.
- Do not block your primary or alternate escape routes with a tree, decorations or presents.
- Turn off lights and blow out candles when you go to bed or leave the house.
- Consider using battery-operated flameless candles, which can look, smell and feel like real candles.
- If you do use lit candles, make sure they are in stable holders and place them where they cannot be knocked down easily.
Source: Ohio State Fire Marshal