As the holidays approach, State Fire Marshal William E. Barnard is offering several fire safety recommendations that will help Marylanders enjoy a safe and joyous holiday season. "Taking the time to be fire safe is a great way for families to avoid tragedies that can ruin the holiday," according to Fire Marshal Barnard.
Christmas Trees:
* Get trees that are freshly cut; they stay green longer and pose less of a fire hazard
* Test the tree before purchase; trees with higher moisture content are safer. Very few needles should fall when the butt end of the tree is tapped on the ground; needles should bend, not break; and the stump should be sticky with resin.
* Before setting up the tree, saw two inches diagonally off the butt end.
* Use a tree stand that has a firm base and a large water reservoir in which to immerse the tree butt. Maintain a large, regular water supply in the reservoir.
* Avoid setting the tree near heat sources such as radiators, televisions, fireplaces, heating ducts, or a sunny window. The tree should not block windows and doors.
* Remove the tree from the home within 21 days of bringing it inside.
The State Fire Marshal also reminds Marylanders that fresh cut and live trees are prohibited in nursing homes, hospitals, limited care facilities, detention and correctional centers, educational occupancies, and certain residential board and care facilities. Fresh cut or live trees in other occupancies are permitted, however they must comply with the provisions of the State Fire Prevention Code.
Decorative Lighting:
* Use only lights listed by an approved testing laboratory such as UL (Underwriter's Laboratories).
* Use the right lights for the right environment. Indoor light sets lack weatherproof connections. Many outdoor light sets burn too hot for indoor use.
* Inspect light sets before use. Check for cracked bulbs, broken or exposed wires, and discard if faulty.
* Turn off all tree and decorative lights before going to bed or leaving the house.
Fireplaces and Woodstoves:
* Never burn gift-wrappings, boxes, cartons, or other types of packing materials in the fireplace. They burn too rapidly and generate far too much heat.
* Move Christmas stockings from the mantel when the fireplace is in use.
* Use properly sized screens to protect against flying sparks.
* Burn only seasoned and dried wood.
* Have the chimney cleaned annually or more often if used as a primary heat source.
* Remove ashes when cool and place in a metal container with a tight fitting lid. Place the container outside, away from wooden decks or porches.
* Don't use Christmas trees for firewood.
Electrical Outlets:
* Avoid overloading wall outlets, even for short periods.
* Inspect all electrical cords before using, and discard those with damage or frayed wires.
* Use only listed cords.
* Insert plugs fully into outlets. Poor contact can overheat the plug and wire.
* To avoid possible overheating, do not coil or bunch an extension cord that is in use.
* Avoid placing cords beneath carpets or rugs.
The Kitchen:
* Make sure all pot handles are turned in toward the stove.
* Keep small children away from the stove and hot surfaces.
* If fire on the stove erupts, cover the pot with a lid and turn off the heat immediately.
* Never throw water on a grease fire.
* If you must leave the kitchen while cooking, use a timer to remind you to return.
In addition to these tips, make sure your home has working smoke alarms with fresh batteries. The State Fire Marshal also has a recommendation for holiday shoppers; "Smoke alarms make great stocking stuffers. One size fits all and they save lives!"
Christmas Trees:
* Get trees that are freshly cut; they stay green longer and pose less of a fire hazard
* Test the tree before purchase; trees with higher moisture content are safer. Very few needles should fall when the butt end of the tree is tapped on the ground; needles should bend, not break; and the stump should be sticky with resin.
* Before setting up the tree, saw two inches diagonally off the butt end.
* Use a tree stand that has a firm base and a large water reservoir in which to immerse the tree butt. Maintain a large, regular water supply in the reservoir.
* Avoid setting the tree near heat sources such as radiators, televisions, fireplaces, heating ducts, or a sunny window. The tree should not block windows and doors.
* Remove the tree from the home within 21 days of bringing it inside.
The State Fire Marshal also reminds Marylanders that fresh cut and live trees are prohibited in nursing homes, hospitals, limited care facilities, detention and correctional centers, educational occupancies, and certain residential board and care facilities. Fresh cut or live trees in other occupancies are permitted, however they must comply with the provisions of the State Fire Prevention Code.
Decorative Lighting:
* Use only lights listed by an approved testing laboratory such as UL (Underwriter's Laboratories).
* Use the right lights for the right environment. Indoor light sets lack weatherproof connections. Many outdoor light sets burn too hot for indoor use.
* Inspect light sets before use. Check for cracked bulbs, broken or exposed wires, and discard if faulty.
* Turn off all tree and decorative lights before going to bed or leaving the house.
Fireplaces and Woodstoves:
* Never burn gift-wrappings, boxes, cartons, or other types of packing materials in the fireplace. They burn too rapidly and generate far too much heat.
* Move Christmas stockings from the mantel when the fireplace is in use.
* Use properly sized screens to protect against flying sparks.
* Burn only seasoned and dried wood.
* Have the chimney cleaned annually or more often if used as a primary heat source.
* Remove ashes when cool and place in a metal container with a tight fitting lid. Place the container outside, away from wooden decks or porches.
* Don't use Christmas trees for firewood.
Electrical Outlets:
* Avoid overloading wall outlets, even for short periods.
* Inspect all electrical cords before using, and discard those with damage or frayed wires.
* Use only listed cords.
* Insert plugs fully into outlets. Poor contact can overheat the plug and wire.
* To avoid possible overheating, do not coil or bunch an extension cord that is in use.
* Avoid placing cords beneath carpets or rugs.
The Kitchen:
* Make sure all pot handles are turned in toward the stove.
* Keep small children away from the stove and hot surfaces.
* If fire on the stove erupts, cover the pot with a lid and turn off the heat immediately.
* Never throw water on a grease fire.
* If you must leave the kitchen while cooking, use a timer to remind you to return.
In addition to these tips, make sure your home has working smoke alarms with fresh batteries. The State Fire Marshal also has a recommendation for holiday shoppers; "Smoke alarms make great stocking stuffers. One size fits all and they save lives!"