SAFETY ISSUES AT CHRISTMAS – FIRE PREVENTION

  

Published in the The Star on December 28, 2004


Each year during the Holiday Season across Jamaica, families experience the destruction of their home and the needless loss of a loved one due to fires that are the result of careless decorating of Christmas trees, candle use and electrical practices. With the Christmas Season upon us, the Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC) in the interest of public safety would like to remind citizens of the best practices in caring for their Christmas tree and in the use of candles and other decorations.
According to the most current statistics from the Jamaica Fire Brigade for the Kingston & St. Andrew area alone, the number of genuine fire reports in December 2002 was 167, 6.37% more than the previous month with approximate property damage of J$15.9 million. In Dec 2003, the number of genuine fire reports was 156, 39.29% more genuine reports than the previous month, with estimated property damage of over J$18.6 million!

Christmas Trees
Even though synthetic Christmas trees are available in life-like quality and sizes, many persons still opt for natural trees. Regrettably, the price paid on some occasions may be more than the dollar value of the tree, but millions of dollars in loss due to accidental fires caused by combusting dried trees exposed to Christmas decoration for an extended period. The following guidelines concerning real holiday trees should be followed to reduce the likelihood of a fire in your home or office:

  • Limit the number of days you plan to have a real tree in your home/office.

  • Immediately prior to setting the tree in your stand, cut a small portion of the trunk at the bottom, this will allow the tree a fresh cut to absorb water. Ensure that the holder is sturdy.

  • Never leave holiday lights on your tree illuminated while no one is home.

  • Check the tree every day to ensure the tree stand has water.

  • Natural trees should be cut at a 45-degree angle at the base and placed in water.

  • Consider spraying the Christmas tree with a flame retardant

  • Place tree away from sources of heat.

  • Use only non-flammable decorations.

  • When the tree becomes dry discard it promptly. If you tree is dropping needles or leaves, remove it from your home/office. Dropped needles are one of the signs that the tree is becoming very dry.

Candles
The following guidelines concerning candles should be followed to reduce the likelihood of a fire in your home:

  • Extinguish all candles when leaving the room or going to sleep.

  • Keep candles away from items that can catch fire (e.g., clothing, books, paper, curtains, Christmas trees, flammable decorations).

  • Use candleholders that are sturdy that are not likely to tip over easily, are made from a material that will not burn and are large enough to collect dripping wax.

  • Do not place lit candles in windows, where blinds and curtains can close over them.

  • Place candleholders on sturdy, uncluttered surfaces and do not use candles in places where they could be knocked over by children or pets.

  • Keep candles and all open flames away from flammable liquids.

  • Avoid candles with combustible items embedded in them.

  • Keep candles up high and out of reach of children and pets.

  • Never leave a child unattended in a room with a lit candle. A child should not sleep in a room with a lit candle.

  • Do not allow children or teens to have candles in their bedrooms.

  • Store candles, matches and lighters up high and out of children's sight and reach, preferably in a locked cabinet or child safe container.

Christmas Lights and other Flammable Décor

  • Purchase UL approved lights.

  • Check all indoor and outdoor lights for frayed cords, replace if necessary.

  • Never use lights that have an empty socket.

  • Lights should not touch combustible materials.

  • Use only outdoor lights for "outdoors"

  • Turn off all Christmas lights, prior to leaving your home or going to bed.

  • Mini lights are safest because they produce less heat.

  • Avoid using extension cords, but if you do, follow instructions carefully.

  • Do not overload electrical circuits, such as wall outlets and extension cords, use a circuit strip or surge protector.

  • Keep combustible materials away from heat sources.

A Few Other Suggestions

  • For individuals or offices that can afford smoke detectors, be sure to test them. Ensure that you place new batteries in at the start of the season if needed.

  • Clean the oven and stove prior to the holiday. Often the extra load on these appliances causes a fire due to the high use and extra grease build-up.

  • Keep kitchen clutter away from the stove and oven.

  • Be extra careful with matches and candles. Candles should be made of flame retardant materials - look for a label stating such.

  • Avoid loose, flammable clothing, especially if you are in the kitchen and doing a lot of cooking around open flame. Clothing often catches on fire around candles, matches and stoves (both electric and gas).

  • Keep decorations away from sources of heat such as open flames, electric heaters and exposed electric bulbs.

  • Do not overload electric outlets. Inspect electrical cords and light sets. If in doubt - throw them out.

We at the CAC would like to encourage everyone, in light of the current energy situation to remember to conserve and remain good energy citizens. Remain focussed during this joyous time of year and ensure that as you enjoy the festivities to keep your family safe.

 

Tell us what issues you want addressed

Send e-mail to: cacjam@infochan.com or star@gleaner.com

Write to us at: 1B Holborn Road, Kingston 10 Or call us at: 926-1650-2 or toll free 1-888-991-4470, ask for our Information Desk


   
Back to top         
  
Updated by: Consumer Affairs Commission - RIC Unit (December 2004)