Interview with Firefighter Michael McLeieer, president and founder of E.S.C.A.P.E. Inc. on the WKZO Morning Show – 11/24/2023 7:50 a.m.

When most people think about the holidays, family festivals and good cheer with friends likely come to mind. What few of us consider is that the holidays also present an increased risk of home fires. Home fires during the holiday season often involve Candles, Christmas trees, holiday decorations and lights. By taking some preventative steps, using common sense and following some simple rules, most home fires can be prevented during the holidays and beyond.

Candles

• Candles are widely used in homes throughout the holidays; December is the peak month for home candle fires.

• More than half of all candle fires start because the candles had been too close to things that could catch fire.

• When burning candles, keep them at least 1-foot away from anything that can burn (create a 1-foot circle of safety), and remember to blow them out when you leave the room or go to bed.

• Use candle holders that are sturdy, won’t tip over and are placed on uncluttered surfaces. Avoid using candles in the bedroom, where two of five U.S. candle fires begin, or other areas where people may fall asleep.

• Never leave a child or pets alone in a room with a burning candle.

• Consider using flameless candles, which look and smell like real candles.

Christmas Trees, Holiday Decorations and Lights

• U.S. fire departments annually respond to an average of 250 structure fires caused by Christmas trees. Nearly half of them are caused by electrical problems, and one in four resulted from a heat source that’s too close to the tree.

• If you have an artificial tree, be sure it’s labeled, certified or identified by the manufacturer as fire-retardant. If you choose a fresh tree, make sure the green needles don’t fall off when touched; before placing it in the stand, cut 1-2” from the base of the trunk. Add water to the tree stand and be sure to water it daily.

• Make sure your tree is not blocking an exit and is at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, space heaters, radiators, candles and heat vents or lights.

• Use lights that have the label of an independent testing laboratory, and make sure you know whether they are designed for indoor or outdoor use. Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords, or loose bulb connections. Connect no more than three strands of mini-string sets and a maximum of 50 bulbs for screw-in bulbs.

• Plug decorations directly into outlets. Avoid using and overloading extension cords and power strips.

• Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.

• Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving the home or going to bed.

Give the Gift of Safety – smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, escape ladders.

E.S.C.A.P.E. Fire Safety reminds you by following these simple yet important safety tips, everyone in your family will have a “fire-safe” holiday season!

For more holiday fire safety tips, visit www.escapeinc.org or call toll free 1-844-978-4400.

Other Holiday fire safety tips links:

• Prevent Holiday Fires – U.S. Fire Administration
• Home Fire Safety During the Winter Holidays – National Fire Protection Association