Fire Prevention releases holiday tips

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ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  With the onset of the holiday season, it is important to focus on fire safety and prevention. The celebration of the season brings an increase in electric lights usage, decorations, candles, and the ever popular Christmas tree, all of which can be potential fire hazards. Additionally, cooking fires increase during the holidays as families and friends gather to celebrate. By following general fire safety precautions, potential holiday fires, deaths, and injuries can be prevented. 

If your household includes a natural tree in its festivities, take to heart the sales person's suggestion, "Keep the tree watered." Christmas trees account for hundreds of fires annually. Typically, shorts in electrical lights or open flames from candles, lighters or matches start tree fires. Well-watered trees are not a problem. A dry and neglected tree can be. Needles on fresh trees should be green and hard to pull back from the branches, and the needles should not break if the tree has been freshly cut. The trunk should be sticky to the touch. Old trees can be identified by bouncing the tree trunk on the ground. If many needles fall off, the tree has been cut too long and, has probably dried out, and is a fire hazard. 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. 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. Remember all safety considerations when dealing with the Christmas trees to protect yourself and family. 

Thanksgiving Day fires in residential structures cause more property damage and claim more lives than residential structure fires on other days. The increase is troubling as it applies mostly to cooking fires in family homes. In 2005, cooking fires were involved in roughly 1,300 reported home structure fires on Thanksgiving, which is almost three times the daily average. The holiday season is easy an easy time to get wrapped up in entertaining guests, but it is important to monitor meal preparations since most cooking fires start when cooking is left unattended. 

Another of the recent culprits for the increase of cooking fires during holidays is the turkey fryer. Turkey fryers use a substantial quantity of cooking oil at high temperatures, and many units currently available for use pose a significant tipping danger. The use of turkey fryers by consumers can lead to devastating burns, other injuries, and the destruction of property. Always use cooking equipment tested and approved by a recognized testing facility. 

When an individual is cooking there are numerous safety concerns that you should be aware of in the kitchen. Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen, even for a short time, turn off the stove. Potholders, towels and curtains are examples of items that should be kept away from the stove, however to be safe keep all combustible items away from the stove top. Also, establish a "kid-free zone" of at least fire feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drink is prepared or carried. 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 an oven mitt and lid nearby when you're cooking. 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 and call 911 immediately. Never move the pan or remove the lid to see if the fire has been extinguished. Leave that up the firefighters. If there is an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed to prevent flames from burning you and your clothing. Call 911 immediately and never open the door to see if the fire has been extinguished. Leave that up the firefighters too. Be sure to have the oven serviced before you use it again. 

The Christmas season is a wonderful time of year. By being fire safe, everyone can prevent accidents that could ruin this special time. As with any season, working smoke detectors should be installed on every floor of a home. The detectors should be tested monthly and kept clean and equipped with fresh batteries. The JBER Fire and Emergencies Services want to wish everyone a very happy and safe holiday season. 

For more information about holiday fire safety, call the Fire Prevention Office at 552-2620. 

(Information provided by the Fire Prevention Office)