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On Tuesday, Franklin County Commissioners and the Columbus Division Fire warned residents to remember that safety is paramount when it comes to displaying holiday decorations and heating their homes during the upcoming winter months.
Already, millions of Americans have decorated their homes with holiday lights, trimmings and have set-up trees in their living rooms. Many more will do so over the coming weeks. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that, “Each year, hospital emergency rooms treat about 10,800 people for injuries, such as falls, cuts and shocks, related to holiday lights, decorations and Christmas trees. In addition, there are 11,000 candle-related fires each year, resulting in 150 deaths and 1,200 injuries annually. Christmas trees are involved in about 400 fires annually, resulting in 20 deaths, 70 injuries and an average of more than $15 million in property loss and damage.”
“A fire can spread in seconds,” said Commission President Mary Jo Kilroy. “That’s why every family should have an evacuation plan.”
“We want all Franklin County families and children to be safe and enjoy the holidays,” stated Commissioner Paula Brooks. A gift of a new fire extinguisher or smoke detector for yourself or a loved one might be the best holiday purchase you could ever make.”
“I want to thank our heroic firefighters for saving lives everyday and for educating others on fire safety. Children as young as the age of three are teaching adults about having fire escape plans,” stated Commissioner Marilyn Brown.
Commissioners and Fire Officials reminded all residents that when setting up a tree at home, place it away from fireplaces and radiators and never use lighted candles on a tree or near other evergreens. All holiday lights should be checked for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections and the damaged sets should be discarded. All lights should be turned off overnight or when the home is not occupied.
In addition, Commissioners noted that with the approaching holidays, the temperatures will also begin to drop. Commissioners urged families to use caution when using space heaters and other heating sources and to have an emergency home evacuation plan in place in case a fire breaks out anywhere in the home.
The Columbus Division of Fire’s Community Relations Officer Lt. David B. Sawyer stated, “Holiday fire safety is something that all of us need to practice. The devastation of a fire during the holidays can be unbearable. Christmas trees, candles, electric wiring, and the fireplace are just some of the common areas of concern. He continued, “Practice a fire drill and know your fire escape plan.”
Officials also emphasized that when using an alternate home-heating source, always follow the manufacturer’s directions, ensure adequate ventilation and air -flow to the heater and never leave heaters burning overnight or while sleeping.
Editor’s Note: The following website provides a visual representation of how quickly holiday decorations can ignite and spread flames.
http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/citizens/all_citizens/home_fire_prev/holiday-seasonal/treefire.shtm
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