Fire Marshal's Office

Fire Safety Information

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WINTER FIRE SAFETY TIPS

CANDLES

Extinguish all candles when leaving the room or going to sleep.

Keep candles at least 3 feet away from items that can catch fire, like clothing, books and curtains.

Use candle holders that are study, won't tip over easily, are made from a material that cannot burn, and are large enough to collect dripping wax.

Avoid using candles during power outages. Use flashlights.

HOME HEATING

Discard ashes from fireplaces into a metal container and store outside away from the house.

When buying a new space heater, make sure it carries the mark of an independent testing laboratory, and be sure to have fixed space heaters installed by a qualified technician, according to manufacturer's instructions or applicable building codes.

Keep or maintain a 36-inch clearance between space heaters and anything that can burn.

Inspect annually all wood and coal stoves, fireplaces, chimneys, chimney connectors and all other solid-fueled heating equipment by a professional, and clean as often as inspections suggest. Use only wood that is properly seasoned to reduce creosote build-up.

Test smoke alarms monthly; install a carbon monoxide detector in a central location outside each sleeping area.

HOLIDAY DECORATING AND CHRISTMAS TREES

Keep live trees as moist as possible by giving them plenty of water daily. Do not purchase a tree that is dry or dropping needles

Choose a sturdy tree stand designed not to tip over.

When purchasing an artificial tree, be sure it is labeled as fire-retardant.

Store matches and lighters up high, out of the reach of children, preferably in a locked cabinet.

Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source, such as fireplaces and radiators. Try to position the tree near an outlet so that cords are not running long distances. Do not place the tree where it may block exits.

Safely dispose of the tree when it begins dropping needles. Dried-out trees are highly flammable and should not be left in a house or garage, or placed against the house.

Use caution with holiday decorations and whenever possible, choose those made with flame-resistant, flame-retardant or non-combustible materials.

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.

Turn off all light strings and decorations before leaving the house or going to bed.