Christmas Trees: Choose a fresh Christmas tree, and put it in a stand designed not to tip over. Place the tree well away from heat sources and exits, and water it constantly. If you purchase an artificial tree, be sure it is labeled as fire-retardant. When decorating with lights, be sure to purchase only those that bear the mark of a testing laboratory. Replace any frayed or damaged cords. For outside decorations, use only those lights labeled for outdoor use. Bring outdoor lights inside following the holidays so they are not damaged by extended exposure to harsh weather conditions. Always unplug all lights before leaving home or going to sleep and don't overload electrical outlets. Use only battery-operated lights if you have a metal Christmas tree, or decorate without lighting.
Portable and Other Space Heaters: Portable and space heaters can be either electric-powered or fueled by gas, liquid fuel ( usually kerosene), or solid fuel ( usually wood). All types must be kept at least 36 inches ( 1 meter ) from anything that can burn, including furniture, bedding, clothing, pets and people. Space heaters must not be left operating when you are not in the room or when you go to sleep. Children and pets should be supervised at all times when space heaters are in use. Ensure everyone is aware of the high fire hazard associated with drying clothing or placing combustibles over heaters. If you have a electric space heater, check each season for fraying or splitting wires or overheating. Have all problems repaired by a professional before operating the space heater.
Bedroom Fire Safety: Bedrooms are a common area of fire origin. Nearly 1,000 lives are lost to fires that start in bedrooms. Many of these fires are caused by misuse or poor maintenance of electrical devices, such as overloading extension cords or using portable space heaters too close to combustibles. Many other bedroom fires are caused by children who play with matches and lighters, careless smoking among adults, and arson. The United States Fire Administration (USFA) and the Sleep Products Safety Council (SPSC) would like you to know that there are simple steps you can take to prevent the loss of life and property resulting from bedroom fires. Kids and Fire: A Bad Match Children are one of the highest risk groups for deaths in residential fires. At home, children usually play with fire - lighters, matches and other ignitables - in bedrooms, in closets, and under beds. These are "secret" places where there are a lot of things that catch fire easily. Children of all ages set over 100,000 fires annually. Over 30% of fires that kill children are set by children playing with fire. Every year over 800 children nine years and younger die in home fires. Keep matches and lighters locked up and away from children. Check under beds and in closets for burnt matches, evidence your child may be playing with matches. Teach your child that fire is a tool, not a toy. Appliances Need Special Attention Bedrooms are the most common room in the home where electrical fires start. Electrical fires are a special concern during winter months which call for more indoor activities and increases in lighting, heating, and appliance use. Do not trap electric cords against walls where heat can build up. Take extra care when using portable heaters. Keep bedding, clothes, curtains and other combustible items at least three feet away from space heaters. Only use lab-approved electric blankets and warmers. Check to make sure the cords are not frayed. Tuck Yourself In For A Safe Sleep Never smoke in bed. Replace mattresses made before the 1973 Federal Mattress Flammability Standard. Mattresses made since then are required by law to be safer. Finally, having working smoke alarms dramatically increases your chances of surviving a fire. Place at least one smoke alarm on each level of your home and in halls outside bedrooms. And remember to practice a home escape plan frequently with your family.
Fire kills more Americans than all natural disasters combined. Every year
more than 5,000 people die in fires, over 25,000 are injured, and direct
property loss is estimated at over $ 9 billion. Fortunately, most fire losses
can be prevented through effective public education and awareness initiatives.
Many Americans believe "fires can only happen to other people- not me and
not in my home" Yet over 80 percent of fire deaths occur in the home, most
often claiming the lives of the young, the elderly and the disadvantaged.
TEACH CHILDREN TO GET OUT QUICKLY AND TO STAY OUT IN
CASE OF FIRE.
For More Information Contact: The United States Fire Administration Office of Fire Management Programs 16825 South Seton Avenue Emmitsburg, MD 21727 Or visit the USFA website: www.usfa.fema.gov
Arkansas Fire Academy Don't forget the Fallen Firefighter Memorial