Play it safe with fire during the holidays

Maranda sits down with Firefighter Michael McLeieer from E.S.C.A.P.E. Fire Safety to talk about ways to stay safe during the holiday season Where You Live!

Candle Fire Safety

  • Keep a 1-foot circle of safety – a clear area around the candle.  Avoid placing candles near curtains, table cloths, or other things that can catch fire.
  • Put out the candle when you leave the room or go to bed.  Never leave a lit candle unattended.
  • A safer choice would be to use a battery operated candle instead of a real candle to prevent a fire.
  • Closely supervise children and pets when using a candle.

Smoke Alarms

  • During the holidays, think of giving the “gift of safety”.  Give smoke alarms, escape ladders and carbon monoxide alarms.
  • Replace smoke alarms that are older than 10 years.
  • Replace carbon monoxide (CO) alarms that are older the 5-7 years.
  • Replace batteries in smoke and CO alarms when the clocks are changed for Daylight Saving Time or Eastern Standard time.

Kitchen Fire Safety

  • Unattended cooking is the leading cause for home fires.
  • Stand by Your Pan when cooking, broiling or frying.
  • Put a Lid on Pan fires on the stove, and turn of the burner and allow the pan to cool before moving it.
  • For oven fires, turn off the oven and close the oven door.  Evacuate everyone out of the home and call 911 from the meeting place once safely away from the home.
  • Use back burners first on the stove to prevent young children from reaching up and burning their hands.
  • Turn pan handles inward to prevent the hot contents from being spilled on people or pets.
  • Be Alert!  Never cook when you are drowsy, or have consumed alcohol or taken medication.

Space Heater Safety

  • Turn off a space heater when you leave the room or go to bed.
  • Never leave a space heater unattended.
  • Portable heaters need space.  Keep a 3-foot area clear of the space heater.  Clothing, furniture and papers all can be fire hazards if placed too close to a portable heater.

Pet Safety

  • Create a 3-foot kid free zone from hot things (the stove, microwave and hot foods) to prevent burns.
  • Keep pets in another room, away from the kitchen and holiday action.
  • Introduce pets slowly to young children.  Pets can be easily scared of the quick actions of children.

Remember to give the gift of safety this holiday season, Where You Live!

 


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