Stay #FDNYSmart This Holiday Season

 Hi Friends!  It’s the holiday season, a time to celebrate with loved ones.  But it’s also a time to be #FDNYSmart.  Did you know that the holiday season is a prime time for fires to occur.  The following  are some Do’s and Don’ts to follow  to make sure you and your loved ones celebrate safely.

 

DO Use Battery Operated Candles When Possible

Did you know that candle fires peak on Christmas Eve, New Years and Christmas Day as well as other holidays during the winter months?  That’s why it is #FDNYSmart to use battery-operated, flames candles.  They can look, smell and feel like real candles without the danger of fire.

 DON’T Overload Electrical Outlets

Two-thirds of all electrical fires begin in plugs or cords on appliances.  Most electrical fires can be prevented.  Here are some ways you can help:

• Make sure your parents use light bulbs that are appropriate for the light fixture.
• Make sure they protect all of the electrical cords in your home from damage, for example, don’t run cords under carpets or rugs and don’t hang them from nails.
• Remind your parents that power strips and surge protectors don’t provide more power. That means, no one in your house should be relying on them too heavily! Don’t overload them by plugging too many things into each one.

DO Use UL Certified Products

When shopping, look for the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) mark on labels. Products certified by UL have been evaluated for safety and meet national standards. Items that have a UL mark must be used and maintained properly to ensure safety.

 DO Keep Combustibles 4 feet Away

Did you know nearly half of holiday decoration fires happen because decorations are placed too close to a heat source?  Make sure to take basic precautions when decorating your home:  Follow these tips:

• Choose decorations that are flame-resistant or flame-retardant.
• Keep lit candles away from decorations and other things that can burn.
• Some lights are meant for indoor or outdoor use only. Make sure you are using lights properly.
• Replace any string of lights that has worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections.
• Read instructions to learn the number of light strands you can safely connect.
• Use clips, not nails, to hang lights, so the cords do not get damaged.

DON’T Leave Burning Candles Unattended

Friends more than 33 percent of candle fires occur when candles are left unattended.  If you do burn candles during your Sabbath and other holiday celebrations, keep your home safer by:

• Using sturdy candle holders, with flame-protective non-combustible (glass or metal) shades or globes.
• Placing candles at least four feet away from curtains, draperies, blinds, kitchen cabinets and bedding.
• Placing candles out of reach of small children and pets.
• Extinguishing candles when they burn within two inches of the holder.
• Never leaving burning candles unattended.
• Securing hair and clothing, such as sleeves or aprons, from the flame when handling candles.
• Keeping candles, matches and lighters, including lit memorial containers and Chanukah menorahs, out of reach of children.

DO Be Mindful of Pinched Wires

Pinched wires are a hazard not many realize could result in potential disaster.   Things like electrocution, faulty operation, fire hazards and more dangers can happen when cables become pinched and exposed.  Be sure your wires aren’t caught under a chair or in a window sill, especially around the holidays when there are extra lights and other electrical decoration being used.

You can see other #FDNYSmart Do’s and Don’ts here.

Watch our latest Holiday PSA here.

Some other important reminders, if you have a live tree, don’t forget to water it to make sure it doesn’t get dry and become a fire hazard .  And always remember to have a working smoke and carbon monoxide detector.  For more safety tips you can read our flash facts here.  Don’t forget to follow Siren and Hot Dog on Twitter.   Happy Holidays!