March 28, 2024

Fire safety during the holiday season

The holiday season poses increased fire and safety risks due to winter road conditions, more decor and holiday guests.

Casey Carpenter, Creston Fire Department fire fighter provides tips for safety during the holiday season.

One concern during the holiday season is travel.

“Winter travel is expected and not everyone takes the time to drive appropriately, dress appropriately and allow for enough time for their commute,” said Carpenter.

For winter travel Carpenter suggests telling someone where you are going and when you arrive, have hats, gloves, coats and blankets for everyone in your vehicle as well as having a flashlight and shovel on hand. Carpenter said the slick roads mean it takes longer to stop so it is important to look both ways at intersections.

Holiday decor can become a fire hazard.

“There is a lot more decor that can clutter the house,” said Carpenter.

Individuals can place decor where it looks good, not considering potential issues such as proximity to heat sources and blocking known exits and walkways explained Carpenter. He said it is important to make sure decor doesn’t block exits and that hosts are aware of heat sources.

Other tips suggested by Carpenter to ensure a home is safe are to check smoke detector batteries and have carbon monoxide detectors on each level of the home. Christmas lights can be another hazard so he said it is important to check the manufacturers instructions for intended use because not all lights are meant for universal use. He also said to check for bare wires and weak spots and to not overload outlets.

With colder weather, use of space heaters and fire places are more common. Carpenter said space heaters should be clear of obstructions within 3 feet, are clean and in working condition.

Chimneys should also be clear of obstructions. Carpenter said that a carbon monoxide detector is a necessity when using a fire place.

Carpenter said that cooking fires are a bigger threat during the holiday season because of the increase in guests and amount of cooking. Because of this, the home should have a fire extinguisher.

Some fire extinguishers are serviceable and some are disposable after six years. The Creston Fire Department checks fire extinguishers to make sure they are in working condition. Individuals can also purchase fire extinguishers at the fire station.