Twinkling lights charming passersby outside and a roaring fire warming guests inside are scenes that fuel joy and fond feelings this time of year.
But letting lights burn too hot near anything that could catch fire or leaving a fireplace fire or candles unattended are safety hazards that can quickly turn a happy holiday season into a tragic one.
According to the National Fire Prevention Association, U.S. fire departments respond to almost 800 home fires started by holiday decorations or Christmas trees each year.
These fires caused an annual average of four civilian fire deaths, 33 civilian fire injuries and $14 million in direct property damage. Electrical distribution or lighting equipment was involved in more than two in five home Christmas tree fires.
To help alert residents to these potential dangers, the Hinsdale Fire Department is holding its annual Keep the Wreath Red program aimed at increasing the awareness of safety while decorating homes for the holidays. The department has placed a wreath with red bulbs on the fire station, and if a fire occurs that is determined to be the result of a holiday decoration, a red bulb is replaced with a white one.
That happened last week, in fact, according to the department, after a small fire was reported to have started on home’s mantle home by a Christmas decoration. It was extinguished by the homeowner.
To help residents do their part to practice fire safety during the holiday months, fire officials offer the following holiday fire safety tips:
• Make sure to have a working smoke and carbon monoxide alarm on each level of the home, paying particular attention to sleeping areas.
• Clean fireplaces annually if used on a regular basis.
• Do not burn any foreign objects in fireplaces. A fireplace screen should always be in use.
• Do not allow Christmas trees to block any exit paths in the home.
• Place the Christmas tree away from fireplaces, radiators and other heat sources. Live trees should be kept at least three feet from any heat source.
• Check the water level daily on live trees. All live trees and decorations should be disposed of immediately after the holiday, before they dry out.
• Use no more than three standard size sets of lights per single extension cord. Do not run extension cords under rugs.
• Use power strips in place of extension cords when possible.
• Never use lighted candles on a tree. Keep candles away from decorations and wrapping paper.
• Place candles in sturdy holders on a stable surface, well away from drafts, curtains, children and pets.
• Make sure outdoor decorations and lights are approved for outdoor use.
For more information, call the fire department at (630) 789-7060 or visit the department’s page on the village website at http://www.villageofhinsdale.org.
“We hope everyone has a happy and safe holiday season,” Fire Chief Jeffrey Pindelski said.
