Winter, holiday safety Published Nov. 28, 2007 By Base Fire Department WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- Winter, holiday safety The winter holidays are a time for celebration, and that means more cooking, home decorating, entertaining and an increased risk of fire due to heating equipment. By being aware of some simple facts and tips you can be assured of a fire safe winter and happy holidays. Facts and Figures In 2005, there were 210 Christmas tree fires in U.S. homes, resulting in 42 injuries and $12.1 million in direct property damage. No deaths were reported. During 2002-2005, an average 210 home fires started when Christmas trees ignited. These fires caused an estimated annual average of 24 civilian deaths, 27 civilian injuries and $13.3 million in direct property damage. During 2005, an estimated 15,600 home structure fires started by candles were reported to local fire departments. These fires resulted in an estimated 150 civilian deaths, 1,270 civilian injuries and an estimated direct property loss of $539 million. Homes include dwellings, duplexes, manufactured housing and apartments. December is the peak time of year for home candle fires. In December, 13% of home candle fires began with decorations compared to 4% the rest of the year. Three in 10 reported home fires start in the kitchen -- more than any other place in the home. Nearly half of all home heating fires occurred December thru February in 2002-2005. Winter Heating In 2003, heating equipment was involved in an estimated 53,200 reported U.S. home structure fires, with associated losses of 260 civilian deaths, 1,260 civilian injuries, and $494 million in direct property damage. Space Heaters: Only electric UL-listed space heaters with thermostatic control and automatic tip over cutoff are authorized to be used inside any Air Force facility. For those of you living off base and using gas-fueled heating devices, particularly space heaters they, pose a higher risk of death due to non-fire carbon monoxide poisoning. If using these type heaters ensure the space is well ventilated. The leading factor contributing to fire is heat source too close to combustibles, which contributed to 28% of the home heating fires (excluding confined fires) and 50% of associated deaths. This is why the need to keep at least a 3-foot separation between combustibles and heating equipment features prominently in the list of safe heating rules: · Select and install heating equipment for safety and effectiveness. · Use heating equipment safely, in accordance with manufacturer's instructions. · Keep adequate clearance between heating equipment and any combustibles, both fixed, installed combustibles and moveable contents and furnishings. "Adequate" clearance is typically defined in applicable National Fire Protection Association codes and standards. A clearance of 3 feet should be used if the size of the clearance is not set in codes and standards. · Inspect and maintain heating equipment regularly for safety. Use heating equipment safely, in accordance with manufacturer's instructions. Keep adequate clearance between heating equipment and any combustibles, both fixed, installed combustibles and moveable contents and furnishings. "Adequate" clearance is typically defined in applicable NFPA codes and standards. A clearance of 3 feet should be used if the size of the clearance is not set in codes and standards. · Inspect and maintain heating equipment regularly for safety. Holiday Decorating Use caution with holiday decorations and whenever possible, choose those made with flame-resistant, flame-retardant or non-combustible materials. Keep candles away from decorations and other combustible materials, and do not use candles to decorate Christmas trees. Purchase only lights and electrical decorations bearing the name of an independent testing lab, and follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation and maintenance. Carefully inspect new and previously used light strings and replace damaged items before plugging lights in. Do not overload extension cords. Check your strands of lights to determine the number of strands that may be connected. Connect no more than three strands of push-in bulbs and a maximum of 50 bulbs for screw-in bulbs Always unplug lights before replacing light bulbs or fuses. Don't mount lights in any way that can damage the cord's wire insulation (i.e., using clips, not nails). Keep children and pets away from light strings and electrical decorations. Turn off all light strings and decorations before leaving home or going to bed. Holiday Entertaining Unattended cooking is the leading cause of home fires in the U.S. When cooking for holiday visitors, remember to keep an eye on the range. If you smoke, smoke outside. Wherever you smoke, provide plenty of large, deep sturdy ashtrays and check them frequently. Cigarette butts can smolder in the trash and cause a fire, so completely douse cigarette butts with water before discarding. After a party, always check on, between and under upholstery and cushions and inside trash cans for cigarette butts that may be smoldering Keep matches and lighters up high, out of sight and reach of children. When smokers visit your home, ask them to keep their smoking materials with them so young children do not touch them. Test your smoke alarms, and let guests know what your fire escape plan is. Your Whiteman Fire & Emergency Services wish you Fire Safe Happy Holidays!!