As the holiday season approaches, fire safety becomes even more important. Every year, fires during the holiday season claim the lives of more than 400 Americans, injure 1,650 more, and cause nearly $1 billion in damage.

The Moody Air Force Base Fire Prevention Office is reminding residents to take simple precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday season, free from the threat of fire.

Selecting a safe holiday tree

The first step in preventing holiday fire hazards is choosing a safe holiday tree. Fresh trees should have green, flexible needles that are difficult to pull from the branches. If the tree is freshly cut, the needles should not break when bent. Additionally, the trunk of a fresh tree should feel sticky to the touch.

An easy way to identify an old tree is by gently bouncing it on the ground. If a large number of needles fall off, it means the tree has dried out, making it a significant fire risk.

Caring for a holiday tree

It's important to care for trees properly. Place the tree away from heat sources like fireplaces, heat vents, or radiators as excessive heat can dry it out and increase the risk of ignition. Be sure to keep the tree stand filled with water at all times, and don't leave the tree up for longer than two weeks.

Never place lit candles on or near the tree, and avoid bringing open flames, such lighters or matches, close to it.

Disposing a holiday tree

Proper disposal is just as crucial as tree selection and care. Never burn tree branches or needles in a fireplace or wood stove, as this can cause dangerous sparks or a chimney fire. Once the tree becomes dry, remove it from the home promptly. The best way to dispose of the tree is by taking it to a recycling center or utilizing a community pick-up service.

Holiday Lights, Decorations, and Candles

When it comes to decorating a home for the holidays, safety should always be top of mind. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for lights and decorations. Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, exposed spots, broken sockets, or excessive wear. Be sure to choose lights that are UL, ETL, or CSA tested for safety.

Avoid overloading electrical outlets, and never link more than three strands of lights unless the instructions specify it’s safe to do so. When connecting light strands, always use an extension cord. Periodically check the wires to ensure they are not warm to the touch.

Extension cords should run under rugs or across high-traffic areas. Additionally, be sure to unplug all lights before leaving the house or going to bed.

When selecting holiday decorations, choose nonflammable or flame-retardant items and place them away from heat vents. As for candles, avoid using them when possible. If using candles, place them in sturdy holders where they can’t easily be knocked over. Never leave a candle burning unattended, and always keep them away from decorations, trees, pets, and children.

Additional Fire Safety Tips

One of the simplest but most effective fire safety measures is ensuring a home is equipped with working smoke alarms on every level. Test alarms monthly, replace the batteries regularly, and keep them clean.

In addition to having smoke alarms, practicing a home escape plan is essential. Make sure everyone in the household knows how to quickly exit the home in case of an emergency and how to call for help.

While cooking, never leave the kitchen unattended. Turn off the stove before walking away to prevent potential fires.

Conclusion

As the holiday season brings joy and celebration, the Moody Fire and Emergency Services flight urges everyone to be mindful of fire safety. Simple steps, such as choosing a safe tree, properly maintaining decorations, and ensuring working smoke alarms, can go a long way in preventing fires and keeping families safe.

For more information about fire safety or to get additional tips, contact the Moody Fire Prevention Office at (229) 257-4410. The Moody Fire and Emergency Services team wishes everyone a safe and happy holiday season.