LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
There are many things to keep in mind in order to be fire safe for the upcoming winter holidays. Several common holiday items can be dangerous if not used properly, such as decorations, holiday lights, Christmas trees, candles, and space heaters. The Langley Air Force Base Fire Prevention Office offers these suggestions to keep this time of year safe for you and yours.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, Christmas trees were the point of fire origin in about 250 reported home structure fires annually between 2003 and 2007. These fires resulted in about 14 deaths, 26 injuries, and $13.8 million in property damage each year. Also, from 2003 to 2007, 170 home structure fires per year were caused by holiday lights and other decorative lighting. From those fires, there were 7 deaths and $7.9 million in property damage. During 2003 to 2006, candles started an estimated 14,800 home structure fires. These fires killed 160 people, caused 1,340 injuries and an estimated $471 million in property damage.
First, when purchasing or making decorations, ensure that the decorations are flame-resistant or flame-retardant. This will slow the progression of flames should a fire start. When choosing a real tree, make sure that the needles are fresh and green and do not shed when you touch them. When you place the tree, cut off 1-2 inches from the base of the trunk and add water to the stand daily. If you opt to use an artificial tree, buy one that is listed or certified (i.e. laboratory tested) by the manufacturer as fire retardant. In either case, the tree needs to be positioned three feet away from any source of heat, and not blocking an exit.
When purchasing lights, only buy lights that are tested by an independent testing laboratory (i.e. UL listed) and use them as intended, either for indoor or outdoor use. Don't overload your electrical wiring; connect no more than three strands of mini lights or maximum of 50 bulbs if you have screw-in bulbs. Holiday lights should not be left on if people are asleep or no one is home. Lastly, never use lit candles on the Christmas tree or in place of holiday lights; they can be very dangerous, especially on a tree, use battery powered LED imitation candles instead.
After the holidays, it is important to take down your holiday lights and Christmas tree as soon as possible. Since most lights can be reused, make sure to take down outside lights to preserve them as well as prevent any hazards, so they are ready for next year.
Heat producing appliances (i.e. space heaters) are a leading cause of home fire deaths, primarily from not being used properly. Space heaters were involved in 79% of fatal home heating fires this past year alone. 18-inch clearances must be maintained around the heater; if you have children, increase your clearance to 36 inches. The appliance must be unplugged when not in use and plugged directly into the outlet when in use; do not use them at all with extension cords or surge protectors.
On base (except for family living quarters), all holiday decorations are inspected by the Fire Department prior to installation, and must be removed by the end of the first week in January. At no time can any decoration inhibit the sight, sound or function of any fire safety device (fire exit signs, fire extinguishers, pull stations etc.). Space heaters are prohibited unless specifically authorized annually by the Base Fire Marshal. The use of live Christmas trees is also prohibited.
EDITOR'S NOTE: If you have any questions or concerns about your holiday décor, call the Langley Fire Prevention Office at 764-4275.