12 Days of Fire Safety 2023
With the Holidays upon us, the last week SAN FIRE has offered residents of San Andreas a tip a day for the holidays in how to safely prepare for the big day - A yearly occurance of the 'Twelve Days of Fire Safety' is a nationwide campaign for promoting fire safety during the holiday, from tips to decorating safely to tips for a safe and enjoyable festive season. All of us can take steps to ensure ourselves and our loved ones stay safe this festive season and enjoy the time.
In this Press Release, we'll be highlighting ways you can keep yourself and your loved ones safe this festive season.
Christmas Tree Safety
Picking the tree - It is essential to pick a tree that is healthy, aim to pick a tree that has fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched. A reputable tree seller should keep their trees from drying out by watering them daily. Once brought, a tree should be placed in water as soon as possible. But, most trees can go from 6 to 8 hours from being cut without water and can still take up water. Try not to damage or bruise the cut point of the truck and ensure it is placed in a bucket of water as soon as possible.
Placing the tree - When placing a tree, it is essential to think about placement. Like the above, ensure a tree is placed within a stand that means it can be watered daily to avoid the tree drying out. But, before placing it in a stand, ensure 1/2" is cut from the base of the trunk where it was originally cut to ensure the area is undamaged. Displaying the tree in a traditional reservoir type stand is the most effect was of maintaining freshness and a general rule is that stands should provide one-quart of a water per inch of stem diameter.
You should aim to place a tree at least three feet away from any heat source such as fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights. Ensuring the rooms environmental temperature is lower will slow the drying process of the tree, resulting in slower water consumption each day and remember! Think about tree placement, you should aim to display your tree in a way that does not obstruct any doors or emergency exits.
Decorating the tree - When using lighting on a tree, you should aim to use lights that have a label of a recognised testing laboratory that tests electrical - This means the lights have been tested for safety before sale and determines what use they are proper for - Some lights are only for indoor and outdoor use.
If at any point strings of lights show signs of wear and tear or appear broken, they should be replaced - Especially if there is a loose bulb connnection. Ensure to follow manufacturers instructions when replacing bulbs or setting up the lights, its easy for them to overheat if not set up properly. More than one of every four home christmas tree fire fires are caused by electrical problems - Never use real lit candles to decorate your tree!
Holiday Lights Safety
Preparing the lights - Always check the label! Make sure to only use outdoor lights tested for safety, as mentioned above all electrical products will have a label of a recognised testing laboratory and ensure to use outdoor lights that are waterproof to avoid the risks, when placing the lights, you should plan to place them in areas where they can be fastened to avoid being damaged by the wind.
Tying into the above about trees, never use electric lights on a metallic tree, although safe when used in accordance with manufacturer's direction, metallic trees can become electrically charged from faulty lights which means any person who could touch the tree may be electrocuted.
Power Outlets and electricity - Remember to use no more than three (3) sets of lights per extension cord always being mindful about overloading them or power outlets. You should always avoid running extennsion cords under carpets and across doorways. But, it should also be avoided to be placed on or under heaters and pinched behind furniture where wiring become damaged.
Always remember to turn off all lights and trees when you plan to go to bed or leave the house - despite festive appearances, they can always risk a short fuse and start a fire.
Holiday Cooking
We've previously spoken about cooking in our National Fire Prevention Week 2023 Press Release for 2023's "Cooking Safety starts with YOU" Theme. However, for many families, cooking is a huge part of the holidays, so here's our quick reference guide for cooking safely this holiday season.
Preparing - The important part of your kitchen is of course your equipment, ensure you get your stove-top, cooker and any appliances checked by a qualified electrician to ensure it is all in proper working order and always use electrical equipment that has been tested for home use - If you have doubts, you shouldn't use it! But, always make sure to follow the manufacturers guidelines too and ensure children are kept away from the kitchen, you should aim to have a three feet kid-free zone from the stove.
Optionally, you can always have a CO2 fire extinguisher on the exit side of your kitchen, it's always useful to have one handy.
Cooking - Always ensure to cook food according to instructions, burning your food can be a fire hazard and you should always aim to stay in the kitchen while you are frying, broiling, simmering or boiling food - If you need to leave the room, you should turn burners or hobs off and ensure to check on your food regularly.
When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number after you leave. If you try to fight the fire, be sure others are getting out and you have a clear way out. Keep a lid nearby when you’re cooking to smother small fires. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the stovetop. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled. For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed. Never pour water on a grease fire and never immerse any electrical appliances in water.
There's been a lot of other tips shared on our social media in the run up to the Holidays, but these are just some integral points to consider when setting up for the big day - However you celebrate, ensure you celebrate it safely with your family and loved ones.
