Remember fire safety this holiday season
Remember fire safety this holiday season
By Lucas Knowles
Editor
Now that cold weather has arrived and the holidays are on the horizon, local and state officials are urging members of the public to be aware that heating their home and celebrating the holidays could cause fires if they are not careful.
During this time of year, there are many potential causes of fires. Officials from the Scarborough Fire Department, along with the organization Maine Fire Training & Education, are urging members of the public to follow some guidelines for the winter months:
• Chimneys should be cleaned at least once a year.
• A Christmas tree should be watered every day and should be up and decorated for a short time.
• A Christmas tree should be placed in a solid base. Exits should not be blocked by furniture that has been moved or by the Christmas tree.
• Do not place a Christmas tree near a source of heat.
• Christmas trees should have at least an inch cut off from the bottom when they are purchased.
• Indoor Christmas lights should not be left on when no one is at home.
• Christmas trees should be disposed of properly. Disposal varies in each municipality.
• Those who have bought new woodstoves should have them inspected. The Scarborough Fire Department offers a free woodstove inspection program. Woodstoves should meet certain specifications before they are used.
• All heating systems should be checked by a professional at least once a year. Regular maintenance can reduce the risk of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning.
One large cause of fires, especially during the winter, is the burning of candles. During the past year, the Scarborough Fire Department has focused on educating the public on candle safety.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, the number of candle fires almost doubles in December. One major reason for the increase is the proximity of candles to Christmas trees, wreaths and other holiday decorations.
In order to be safe around candles, the National Fire Protection Association suggests a number of guidelines, including using sturdy candle holders, burning candles on an uncluttered surface, keeping lit candles at least one foot away from curtains, mattresses and other items, trimming candle wicks to one-quarter inch, keeping hair and clothing away from the flame of a candle and to avoid using candles during power outages.
The National Fire Protection Association also discourages people from using candles in bedrooms and away from windows and doorways, along with Christmas trees and holiday decorations.
By Lucas Knowles
Editor
Now that cold weather has arrived and the holidays are on the horizon, local and state officials are urging members of the public to be aware that heating their home and celebrating the holidays could cause fires if they are not careful.
During this time of year, there are many potential causes of fires. Officials from the Scarborough Fire Department, along with the organization Maine Fire Training & Education, are urging members of the public to follow some guidelines for the winter months:
• Chimneys should be cleaned at least once a year.
• A Christmas tree should be watered every day and should be up and decorated for a short time.
• A Christmas tree should be placed in a solid base. Exits should not be blocked by furniture that has been moved or by the Christmas tree.
• Do not place a Christmas tree near a source of heat.
• Christmas trees should have at least an inch cut off from the bottom when they are purchased.
• Indoor Christmas lights should not be left on when no one is at home.
• Christmas trees should be disposed of properly. Disposal varies in each municipality.
• Those who have bought new woodstoves should have them inspected. The Scarborough Fire Department offers a free woodstove inspection program. Woodstoves should meet certain specifications before they are used.
• All heating systems should be checked by a professional at least once a year. Regular maintenance can reduce the risk of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning.
One large cause of fires, especially during the winter, is the burning of candles. During the past year, the Scarborough Fire Department has focused on educating the public on candle safety.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, the number of candle fires almost doubles in December. One major reason for the increase is the proximity of candles to Christmas trees, wreaths and other holiday decorations.
In order to be safe around candles, the National Fire Protection Association suggests a number of guidelines, including using sturdy candle holders, burning candles on an uncluttered surface, keeping lit candles at least one foot away from curtains, mattresses and other items, trimming candle wicks to one-quarter inch, keeping hair and clothing away from the flame of a candle and to avoid using candles during power outages.
The National Fire Protection Association also discourages people from using candles in bedrooms and away from windows and doorways, along with Christmas trees and holiday decorations.
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