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.