Lampton Engle Agency

Safe Home Christmas Decorations

Christmas decorations like candles, lights and Christmas tress are interesting to make and a joy to behold the final outcome. These decorations set the mood for the festivities and remind us that it is a season to celebrate and enjoy ourselves. But if precautions are not taken then these decorations can cause fires, injuries and death. Given below are a few safety precautions to follow during the holiday season.

Christmas Tree:
  • If you are buying an artificial tree, ensure that it has a “Fire Resistant” label. This does not mean that the tree will not catch fire; it only means that it is more resistant to burning.
  • When you are buying a live tree, ensure that it is fresh. If the tree is fresh you will not be able to pull the needles from the branches. When it is tapped on the ground needles will not fall off. If the truck is fresh it will be sticky with resin.
  • Inside your home position the tree away from the fireplace and away from radiators. Heated rooms will dry a live tree quickly. Make sure that the tree stand if filled with water. Place tree away from doorways and areas that are used often in the house.
Lights:
  • Use lights that have been tested for safety by a recognized laboratory. Use lights that have plugs and fuses. Use lights labeled for outdoor use for outdoors and those meant for indoor use indoors.
  • Check lights both old and new for cracked or broken sockets, bare wires or loose connections before using them.
  • Replace damaged bulbs immediately. Use same wattage bulbs.
  • Use extension cords that are rated for intended use.
  • Use insulated tape to fasten lights outdoors to trees, house wall etc.
  • Turn off outdoor light when you go to bed or leave the house.
Candles and Other Decorations:
  • Use fire resistant material to decorate the tree. Use nonleaded material for decoration, as leaded material is dangerous if children ingest it.
  • Burning candles should be kept in view at all times. Place them out of reach of children.
  • Do not place lighted candles near trees or other greens. Use non-flammable holders.
  • If you have small children at home, then try not to use decorations that look like candy. As this might tempt them to eat it. Do not use decoration with small removable parts and the children could eat them up.
  • While using artificial snow spray, read instructions on the can carefully to prevent lung irritation.
Fireplaces:
  • “Fire salts” produce colored flames when thrown into wood fires. They contain metals and are poisonous if ingested. Therefore keep them away from children.
  • Do not throw wrapping paper into the fireplace, as they will burst into flames suddenly causing a fire flash.
  • Flying sparks may cause flammable material around the fireplace to catch fire. Prevent this by placing a screen around the fireplace.

Smoke Alarms Can Save Your Life

Most home fire deaths happen between 10 o’clock at night and 6 in the morning.  Many victims die because of smoke and toxic gases, not the fire itself.  Smoke detectors can wake you and give you time to escape.  When purchasing a smoke alarm, look for one that is accepted by an independent testing facility, such as Underwriters Laboratories or Factory Mutual.

Location:

The best place for your smoke alarms:

On every level of your home, including the basement and workshop

Outside every bedroom

On the ceiling or 6 to 12 inches below the ceiling on the wall.  Keep them away from air vents.

Testing:

Test the alarm batteries once a month

Press the test button with your finger

Replace the batteries once a year

Maintenance:

Clean the alarm following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Vacuum the grill-work on the detector periodically to keep it dust-free.

Preventing Nuisance Alarms:

Move the alarm away from the kitchen or bathroom.

Get a different type of smoke alarm, like a photoelectric that’s less sensitive to common causes of false

alarms.

Choose a smoke alarm that has a silencing feature, so nuisance alarms can be stopped quickly and

easily.

Home Safety and Winter Preparation

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) publishes a variety of materials that deal with preparation, prevention, and safety tips for homes. Preparing for winter requires special inspection and maintenance steps to prevent damage and danger to occupants.

 

Before Winter Storms and Extreme Cold

Add the following supplies to your disaster supplies kit:

  • Rock salt to melt ice on walkways
  • Sand to improve traction
  • Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment.

Prepare your home and family

·         Prepare for possible isolation in your home by having sufficient heating fuel, because regular fuel sources may be cut off. For example, store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove.

·         Winterize your home to extend the life of your fuel supply by insulating walls and attics, caulking and weather-stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic.

·         Winterize your house, barn, shed or any other structure that may provide shelter for your family, neighbors, livestock or equipment. Clear rain gutters; repair roof leaks and cut away tree branches that could fall on a house or other structure during a storm.

·         Insulate pipes with insulation or newspapers and plastic and allow faucets to drip a little during cold weather to avoid freezing. Be certain that your waste plumbing system will safely handle the water without clogging or freezing.

·         Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure everyone in your house knows how to use them. Use one outside to familiarize yourself with the pressure and dispersion, and then have it recharged immediately.

·         House fires pose an additional risk, as more people turn to alternate heating sources without taking the necessary safety precautions.

·         Learn how to shut off water valves (in case a pipe bursts).

·         Know ahead of time what you should do to help elderly or disabled friends, neighbors or employees.

·         Hire a contractor to check the structural ability of the roof to sustain unusually heavy weight from the accumulation of snow – or water, if drains on flat roofs do not work.

Dress for the Weather

·         Wear several layers of loose fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. The outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent, and bright colors are suggested for safety.

·         Wear mittens, which are warmer than gloves.

·         Wear a hat. Body heat escapes rapidly from the head.

·         Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.

 

 

 

Winter Fire Safety Tips from The U.S. Fire Administration

§         Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of your home. Test the batteries every month and change them at least once a year or when the alarm ‘beeps’ at regular intervals.

§         Space heaters should have an automatic emergency shutoff device in case they tip over. Only use the fuel recommended by the manufacturer.

§         Never refill a space heater while it is operating or still hot. Refuel outside, away from the house.

§         Wood stoves must be properly installed, away from combustible surfaces, have the proper floor support and adequate ventilation.

§         Never use flammable liquids, such as gasoline or lighter fluid, to start or accelerate a fire.

§         Have furnaces and chimneys professionally inspected annually and cleaned if necessary. Creosote buildup is a common cause of chimney fires.

§         Use a glass or metal screen in front of fireplaces to prevent sparks from igniting nearby carpets or furniture.

§         Never thaw frozen pipes with a blowtorch or other open flame. Use hot water or a UL listed device such as a hand-held dryer.

§         Dispose of hot ashes in tightly sealed metal containers placed away from the house.

§         Don’t use the oven to heat homes. Besides being a fire hazard, it can be a source of toxic fumes.

§         Keep fire hydrants clear of snow for easy access.