Prevention is key to holiday fire safety Published Nov. 18, 2009 By Ford Brooks 3rd Civil Engineer Squadron ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- The holiday season is rapidly approaching and care must be taken with our decorations and food preparation process. Unattended cooking is still the number one cause of residential fires in the country. During this time of year there's big increase in cooking, which is accompanied by people who haven't cooked in a while. This can be a very joyous occasion however we must remain vigilant or it could become a disaster. People must remain in the immediate vicinity of their cooking. Additionally, holiday decorations, no matter how festive, must adhere to fire safety standards to prevent tragedies. More than 4,000 Americans die each year in fires and approximately 20,000 are injured. Many of them might be alive today if only they had the information they needed to avoid a disaster. These life-saving tips could make a big difference and could help save a life: Did you know? ► 82 percent of all fire deaths occur in the home. ► There are an estimated 300 fires and 30 injuries resulting from Christmas tree fires each year. ► Most holiday fires can be easily prevented by applying common sense and abiding by the tips in this article. ► Having a working smoke alarm reduces one's chances of dying in a fire by nearly half. Holiday fire safety life-saving tips Install a smoke alarm on every level of the home. Test smoke alarm batteries monthly and change them at least twice a year (when time changes). Consider installing a 10-year lithium battery-powered smoke alarm, which is sealed so it can't be tampered with or opened. Artificial trees are recommended over fresh trees. These trees must be labeled as fire resistant. Don't place your tree close to a heat source, including fireplace or heat vent. The heat will dry out the tree and cause it to more easily ignite by heat, flame or sparks. Water fresh trees on daily Never put Christmas tree branches or needles in a fireplace or wood¬ burning stove. When the tree becomes dry, discard it promptly (check by bending needles they should be pliable and should not break). The best way to dispose of your tree is to take it to a recycling center or have it col¬lected by a community pick-up service. Inspect lights each year for frayed wire, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets and excessive kinking or wear. Use only lighting evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL). Don't overload outlets. Follow manufacturer's instructions as to the number of light strings that can be connected together. Always disconnect Christmas lights when unattended. Avoid using lit candles. If you do use them, make sure they are in stable holders and place them where they cannot be knocked over easily. Never leave the house with candles burning. Ensure all decorations are fire resistant In the kitchen Never leave cooking food on the stovetop unattended, and keep a close eye on food cooking inside the oven. Keep cooking areas clean and clear of combustibles (i.e. potholders, towels, rags, drapes and food packaging). Keep children and pets away from cooking areas by creating a three-foot (one-meter) "kid-free zone" around the stove. Turn pot handles inward so they can't be bumped and children can't grab them. Wear short, close fitting or tightly rolled sleeves when cooking. Loose clothing can dangle onto stove burners and catch fire. Never use a wet oven mitt, as it presents a scald danger if the moisture in the mitt is heated. Always keep a potholder, oven mitt and lid handy. If a small grease fire starts in a pan, put on an oven mitt and smother the flames by carefully sliding the lid over the pan. Turn off the burner. Don't remove the lid until it is completely cool. Never pour water on a grease fire and never discharge a fire extinguisher onto a pan fire, as it can spray or shoot burning grease around the kitchen, actually spreading the fire. If there is an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed to prevent flames from burning you and your clothing. If there is a microwave fire, keep the door closed and unplug the microwave. Call the fire department and make sure to have the oven serviced before you use it again. Food cooked in a microwave can be dangerously hot. Remove the lids or other coverings from microwaved food carefully to prevent steam burns. For more fire safety information, call the 3rd Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Prevention Office at 552-2620.