Nailing it Down
By Dave Murnen
and Pat Beaty
It may be the “Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” but it is also certainly the most hectic. And in all the extra hustle and bustle, there’s an additional risk for accidents and fires.
How can it be that Christmas is already here? As you celebrate tonight and tomorrow, please take extra care. Households packed with decorations, presents, candles and often alcohol, are part of what makes residential fires prominent this time of year.
In fact, of the top five days for candle residential candle fires, four of them are this week! Statistically Christmas Day tops the list followed by Christmas Eve, New Year’s Day, Halloween and Dec. 23.
So, if you will be lighting a candle tonight, tomorrow, or next week, please take extra care.
Also, overall kitchen fires top the list of household fires. With all the extra cookie baking, entertaining and cooking for a crowd during this time of year, folks are often simply in their kitchens more – and often with more distractions than normal.
So, once again we’ve put together a list of things to take special note of to make your holiday season safe as well as merry and bright.
TAKE CARE WITH CANDLES
Fires from candles – both decorating for the holidays and being a source of light during a power outage during this stormy time of year – can be a hazard!
Over the years, local fire departments have sadly seen many fires started by an unattended candle or a candle on an unstable surface.
Here are some recommendations:
• If you do use lit candles, make sure they are in sturdy metal, glass or ceramic holders, placed where they cannot be easily knocked down – even by a curious kid or cat.
• Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn.
• Keep burning candles out of reach of children and pets.
• Never put candles on a Christmas tree.
• Never use a candle where medical oxygen is being used.
• Never leave a room or go to bed with candles burning.
• Use the new battery-operated candles – they come in all sizes now – as much as possible to give the illusion of flickering flames without the risk.
• In case of a power outage, whenever possible use a flashlight or battery-operated lantern for emergency lighting instead of candles.
KEEP EXITS CLEAR
As you move furniture around to accommodate the tree, extra company or large parties, remember to never block an exit way. In the event of a fire, time is of the essence. A blocked exit puts you, your family and friends at risk. All families should have at least two ways out of each room.
WATCH HEATING APPLIANCES
By the same token, shifted furniture, stacks of presents – and of course the Christmas tree – should never be shoved up close to a fireplace, stove, wall heater or other heating appliance. Celebrate smart!
TAKE CARE WITH COOKING
During the holidays with lots of extra commotion, people, and sometimes even some bubbly, home fires can easily start in the kitchen.
When you cook, make sure you roll up your sleeves and tuck in loose clothing.
The slogan ‘watch what you heat’ is pertinent because the leading cause of cooking fires is unattended cooking. said.
So, stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen, even for a short time, turn the stove off.
If you are simmering, baking or roasting, check the food regularly, remain in the home while the food is cooking and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking!
Also, stay alert while cooking. That means taking extra care during those late-night baking marathons, and be judicious about the bubbly while cooking the family feast.
A pot on the stove or hot oil cooking left unattended lead to many fires. The cupboards soon ignite and often lead to an all-out structure fire. If a pan catches fire, put a lid on it if you can do so safely and turn off the stove. Never attempt to move a burning pan of grease!
. Also remember to never attempt to put out a grease fire with water! The burning grease will explode out of the pan..
In general, only fight small fires with an extinguisher. If the fire is growing, if structures are threatened, or if burn injuries have occurred, always call 911.
WRAPPING PAPER
Can you believe that in a few short weeks, those beautiful packages will all be unwrapped and their secrets revealed? Whether you’re a Christmas Eve or a Christmas day present opener, make sure you do not put wrapping paper in the fireplace. It can result in a very large fire that throws off dangerous sparks and embers that may result in a chimney fire.
TAKING YOUR TREE DOWN
We hate to mention it before the big day, but soon you will be taking your Christmas tree down.
When it’s time to dispose of your tree, never put branches or needles in a fireplace or wood-burning stove!
The best way to dispose of your tree is by taking it to a recycling center or having it hauled away by a community pick-up service.
LAST-MINUTE GIFT SUGGESTION
If your home or a home of someone you love, doesn’t have a working smoke detector or a carbon monoxide detector. They make great gifts. While you’re visiting older relatives in the next week, offer to replace the batteries in their detectors.
Have a safe and Merry Christmas!
Dave Murnen and Pat Beaty are construction specialists at Aberdeen Neighborhood Housing Services, NeighborWorks® of Grays Harbor County. This is a non-profit organization committed to creating safe and affordable housing for all residents of Grays Harbor County. (NeighborWorks® is a registered service mark of Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation.)
Do you have questions about home repair, remodeling or becoming a homeowner? Are you a contractor that would like to join our bidder’s pool? Call us at 533-7828, or 1-866-533-7828, write us at P.O. Box 407, or visit us at 710 E. Market St. in Aberdeen.
