Christmas
Although Christmas tree fires are not common, when they do occur, they are more likely to be serious. One of every three home Christmas tree fires is caused by electrical problems. A heat source too close to the tree causes roughly one in every four of the fires.
■■ Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Read manufacturer’s instructions for number of light strands to connect. ■■ Never use lit candles to decorate the tree. ■■ Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed. AFTER CHRISTMAS ■■ Get rid of the tree after Christmas. Dried-out trees are a fire danger and should not be left in the home or garage, or placed outside against the home. Check with your local community to find a recycling program. Bring outdoor electrical lights inside after the holidays to prevent hazards and make them last longer.
PICKING THE TREE ■■ Choose a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched. PLACING THE TREE ■■ Before placing the tree in the stand, cut 2” from the base of the trunk. ■■ Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights. ■■ Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit. ■■ Add water to the tree stand. Be sure to add water daily. LIGHTING THE TREE ■■ Use lights that have the label of an independent testing laboratory. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use.
New Year
HEATING Heating is the second leading cause of U.S. home fires, deaths and injuries. December, January and February are the peak months for heating fires. Space heaters are the type of equipment most often involved in home heating equipment fires, figuring in two of every five fires (40 percent). CARBON MONOXIDE Often called the invisible killer, carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas created when fuels such as gasoline, wood, coal, propane, etc. do not burn completely. In the home, heating and cooking equipment that burn fuel are potential sources of CO. Carbon monoxide incidents are more common during the winter months, and in residential properties. WINTER STORMS Most of the U.S. is at risk for winter storms, which can cause dangerous and sometimes life-threatening conditions. Blinding wind-driven snow, extreme cold, icy road conditions, downed trees and power lines can all wreak havoc on our daily schedules. Home fires occur more in the winter than in any other season, and heating equipment is involved in one of every six reported home fires, and one in every five home fire deaths. GENERATORS Portable generators are useful during power outages, however, many homeowners are unaware that the improper use of portable generators can be risky. The most common dangers associated with portable generators are carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, electrical shock or electrocution, and fire hazards. According to a 2013 Consumer Product Safety Commission report, half of the generator-related deaths happened in the four coldest months of the year, November through February, and portable generators were involved in the majority of carbon monoxide deaths involving engine-driven tools. CANDLES December is the peak time of year for home candle fires; the top four days for home candle fires are New Year’s Day, Christmas, New Year’s Eve and Christmas Eve. Each year between 2009 and 2013, an average of 25 home candle fires were reported each day. ELECTRICAL Electrical home fires are a leading cause of home fires in the U.S. Roughly half of all home electrical fires involved electrical distribution or lighting equipment, while nearly another half involved other known types of equipment like washer or dryer fans, and portable or stationary space heaters.
Pearland in Motion / Winter/Spring 2019 / 11
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