The Fayette Citizen-News Page

Wednesday, November 27, 2002

Colder weather keeps Red Cross disaster teams busy

Holiday safety tips designed to ensure a joyful season

The weekend before Thanksgiving provided proof that the fire season is here.

Red Cross Disaster Action Teams responded to 11 calls for assistance resulting from house and apartment fires. Volunteers from Clayton County in the south to Cherokee and Cobb in the north and Fulton in between assisted 29 families with emergency needs.

According to Nancy Brockway, the Metropolitan Atlanta Red Cross chapter's director of disaster services, cold snaps always bring a rash of fires. Brockway said space heaters, chimney fires and wood burning stoves often cause the fires. "We are urging citizens to use caution when using these forms of alternative heating and to make sure they have a working smoke detector," she emphasized.

Brockway added that the holiday season also increases fire dangers. "People are doing more cooking, entertaining and decorating with holiday lights and candles," she explained. "Mixing some common sense with a dose of caution will ensure a happy time filled with joyful family memories."

According to the National Fire Protection Association, December, January and February are the peak months for home fire deaths and December is the peak month for candle fires.

To help combat the increasing fire risk as well as other safety dangers, the American Red Cross has released its 12 holiday safety tips.

Be cautious with portable and space heaters. Place space heaters at least three feet (one meter) away from anything combustible, including wallpaper, bedding, clothing, pets and people. Never leave space heaters operating when you are not in the room or when you go to bed.

Don't leave children or pets unattended with space heaters and be sure everyone knows that warming socks, drying wet mittens or other clothing over space heaters is a fire danger.

Inspect fireplaces. Have your chimney inspected by a professional prior to the start of every heating season and cleaned if necessary. Creosote, a chemical substance that forms when wood burns, builds up in chimneys and can cause a chimney fire if not properly cleaned. Always protect your family and home by using a sturdy screen when burning fires.

Remember to burn only wood never burn paper or pine boughs, which can float out of the chimney and ignite a neighboring home. Never use flammable liquids in a fireplace. If you are purchasing a factory-built fireplace select one listed by a testing laboratory, and have it installed according to local codes.

Watch your wood stoves. Be sure your wood or coal stove bears the label of a recognized testing laboratory and meets local fire codes. Follow manufacturers' recommendations for proper use and maintenance. Chimney connections and chimney flues should be inspected at the beginning of each heating season and cleaned if necessary.

Follow the same safety rules for wood stoves as you would for space heaters. Burn only wood, and be sure the wood stove is placed on an approved stove board to protect the floor from heat and coals. Check with your fire department and check local codes before having your wood stove installed.

Beware of holiday lighting. Take care when burning candles. Be sure they are kept away from decorations or other combustible materials. Don't leave children unattended in a room with lit candles, and always keep candles, as well as matches and lighters, out of the reach of children. Never display lighted candles in windows or near exits.

Test tree trimmings. When decorating with lights, be sure to purchase only those labeled by a testing laboratory. Never use candles to decorate Christmas trees. For outside decorations, use only those lights labeled for outdoor use. Don't overload electrical outlets and always unplug all lights before leaving home or going to bed.

Prepare for holiday parties. Decorate only with flame-retardant or noncombustible materials. Avoid using candles during parties. If guests will be smoking, provide them with large, deep ashtrays and check them frequently. After the party, check inside and under upholstery and in trashcans for cigarette butts that may be smoldering.

Keep Christmas trees fresh. Choose a fresh Christmas tree and secure it in a sturdy stand. Place the tree away from heat sources and exits, and water it daily. If you purchase an artificial tree, be sure it is labeled fire-retardant. If you plan to hang stockings on your fireplace, do not use the fireplace for fires.

Cook with care. When cooking, don't wear loose fitting clothing. It can be ignited by hot burners. Always turn pot handles in so small children can't grab them. Don't store items on the stovetop; they could catch fire.

Keep kitchen appliances clean and in good condition, and turn them off after use. Don't overload electrical outlets, and don't use appliances with frayed or cracked wires.

Children love to help cook. Supervise them closely.

Designate a driver. When attending a party, always designate a non-drinking driver. If you are the host of a holiday gathering, be sure there are non-alcoholic beverages available for guests who are driving and be aware of the condition of your guests.

Buckle up. During the holiday months, people travel more than ever. Wearing a seat belt is the easiest and best way to prevent injury in a motor vehicle collision. Ensure that all passengers are also wearing safety belts.

Prepare a winter storm plan. Have extra blankets on hand and ensure that each member of your household has a warm coat, gloves or mittens, hat, and water resistant boots. Stay tuned for storm warnings by listening to NOAA Weather Radio and your local radio and TV stations for updated storm information.

Enroll in a first-aid and CPR course. Although these tips can help prevent an emergency, it is also important to be prepared should an emergency situation arise. To enroll in a first aid or CPR course, contact the Red Cross at 404-876-3602.

The 12 Holiday Safety Tips are a compilation of information provided by the nonprofit National Fire Protection Association and the Red Cross' Community First Aid manual.

 

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