ETC
state of the county
Fire safety while we celebrate the holiday season BY MARK ANDERSON
P
icking out the perfect tree, stringing up lights and putting decorations out in the front yard are some of the best parts of the holiday season (and whether the holiday season begins before or after Thanksgiving is entirely up to you). Keep in mind that holiday decorations and celebrations also come with an increased fire risk, so you should always be prepared and take the necessary precautions to ensure you and your family are safe throughout the season. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), between 2014 and 2018 fire departments in the U.S. responded to an average 160 home fires that started with Christmas trees per year, resulting in $10 million in direct property damage annually. In 45 percent of those fires, electrical distribution or lighting equipment was involved, and in 22 percent, some type of heat source, such as a candle or equipment, was too close to the tree. To help prevent some of these fire hazards, Marion County Fire Rescue has a few tips that you and your family can use to stay safe this holiday season.
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| DEC 2021 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM
LIGHTING • Carefully inspect electrical decorations — new or old — before plugging them in. Cracked sockets and frayed, bare or loose wires can cause a serious electric shock or start a fire. • Do not use indoor lights on an outdoor display — make sure to use properly rated lights for outdoor decorations. • Do not use staples or nails to hang light strings. Instead, use plastic hooks or clips designed for hanging light strings. • Do not overload extension cords by plugging in too many decorations.
• Turn off all electrical lights and decorations before leaving home or going to bed. Marion County Fire Chief James Banta says these useful tips will help keep you and your family prepared throughout the season. “Fire safety is important any time of the year, but especially so during the holidays,” Banta says. “By following these tips, we can help keep Marion County families safe during holiday celebrations.” Mark Anderson is a public relations specialist for the Marion County Government.
Photos courtesy of Marion County
CHRISTMAS TREES • Regularly check your tree for fresh, green needles. Trees that are dried out burn faster than fresher, well-watered trees. Use a tree stand that holds at least a gallon of water — an average-sized tree can consume as much as a gallon of water per day. • Keep your tree at least three feet from fireplaces, radiators, space heaters, heating vents, and other sources of heat. • Don’t place the tree where it blocks an exit. • Always have a fire extinguisher in a readily accessible place in your home and test it frequently to ensure it is working properly.
