Christmas is a time for family and friends to gather together. That also increases the risk for a home fire. By taking preventive measures and following some simple safety rules, you can ensure a fire-safe Christmas season.
Cooking
• Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stove top.
• Keep a lid nearby when cooking to smother small grease fires. For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.
• Create a “child-free zone” of at least three feet around the stove and areas where hot food and drinks are present.
Candles
• Keep lit candles away from decorations, and other things that can burn. Blow out candles when you leave the room or go to bed.
• Never leave a child or pet alone in a room with a burning candle.
Christmas Trees and Decorations
• Water a real Christmas tree daily and always turn off tree lights before leaving the home or going to bed.
• When a real Christmas tree has dried out, remove it from the home immediately.
• Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords, or loose bulb connections. Read manufacturer’s instructions for the number of light strands to connect.
Smoke Alarms
• Test your smoke alarms and replace batteries where needed.
• Tell guests about your home fire escape plan.
For more information contact the Bismarck Fire Department at (701) 355-1400 or visit our website at www.bismarcknd.gov/fire.