Holiday season brings high risk for fires

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Kacy Miller
  • 3rd Civil Engineer Squadron
ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays are a special time for celebration and should not end in tragedy because of the extra hazards that are present. The holidays are a high risk period for the outbreak of fire in the home. The Joint Base Elmendorf and Richardson Fire and Emergency Services is asking everyone, particularly parents and guardians, to be extremely vigilant and conscious of the increased potential for a fire during this time. In the event fire safety efforts fail, you should have early warning devices installed in your home.

First and foremost, ensure you have working smoke detectors. Most fatal fires take place at night, while you and your family are sleeping, when seconds can make the difference between life and death.

If you have one or more working smoke alarms in your home you double your chances of surviving a fire. Smoke alarms are inexpensive and easy to install, and they are not just detectors, they're protectors.

Every year in America, the joy of the holiday season is marred by tragic fire deaths. We urge you to take a few life-saving minutes to protect yourself and your family. Test your smoke alarms to ensure they are in good working order and change the batteries, if necessary. Then review your fire escape plan. Do all members of your household know two ways out of every room?

With celebrity chefs raving about deep-fried turkey, it'll probably be the centerpiece of many Thanksgivings this year. But beware; turkey-fryers pose a serious fire hazard with dozens of people reporting burns. Most turkey fryers run on propane and tests at Underwriters Laboratories show they're a real fire hazard. Many don't have automatic temperature controls so the oil can get too hot. If you overfill the pot or put in a turkey that's still partially frozen, the oil can bubble over, catching fire and engulfing the pot in flames. And don't try to fry a turkey that is too large. Here are some safety tips when using your fryer:

· Turkey fryers should never be left unattended and always used outdoors a safe distance from buildings and other materials that can burn.
· Never use turkey fryers on wooden decks or in garages. Don't use them under eaves or overhangs.
· Use turkey fryers on a flat surface to keep them from tipping.
· Never let children or pets near the fryer.
· Wipe the turkey down inside and out before immersing it. If it is wet, the hot oil turns the water into steam, which accelerates to the surface and creates a hazardous geyser.
· Lids and handles can become extremely hot. Use well-insulated pot holders or oven mitts when handling any part of the pot.
· Wear safety goggles to protect your eyes in case of oil spatter.
· Keep an ABC multi-purpose dry chemical fire extinguisher nearby. Never use water to extinguish a grease fire.
· Follow the manufacturer's directions.
The Christmas holiday is quickly approaching and we want you to enjoy the season but be cautious with your Christmas tree.

If buying a tree, ensure it's freshly cut by binding the needles, if the needles break the tree is not fresh. Also keep the stand full of water at all times, keep the tree away from all heat sources, don't block any exits, check all of the lights before placing them on the tree and discard any frayed or damaged lights and cords.

All lights should be UL approved. When large amounts of needles begin to fall off, it's time to get rid of the tree. Never place lit candles on or near the Christmas tree.
Candles are a traditional and beautiful part of the holiday season. They can also be a source of fire in your home, so be cautious when using them. Place candles in a sturdy non tip candle holder and ensure they are well away from the Christmas tree, other holiday decorations or combustibles. Never leave lit candles unattended and ensure they're out of reach of children.

Safety needs to be practiced in the kitchen as well. Never leave cooking food unattended and if you are faced with a grease fire, remember to put a lid on it and turn the heat source off. Always turn pot handles to the back of the stove so they won't be pulled or knocked off by the little ones. If a fire starts in the oven, keep the door closed and turn off the heat. Opening the door would let fresh air in and help the fire grow.

Here are a few other reminders:
· Never burn Christmas wrapping paper in a fireplace.
· Keep strings of Christmas cards well away from candles and open fires.
· Extinguish cigarettes properly and do not let ashtrays get overfilled.
· Never remove batteries from your smoke alarm to use in your children's Christmas toys or in the TV remote control. Smoke alarms are there to save your life in the event of fire outbreak.
· Clean the oven and stove top prior to the holidays. Often the extra load on these appliances causes a fire due to the high usage and consequent build up of grease.
With all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it's easy to let fire prevention and safety fade to the background. Be proactive and spread the message of fire prevention.

For more information on fire prevention, visit www.nfpa.org, www.usfa.fema.org or call the Fire Prevention office at 552-2620.