As we move along through the Christmas holiday season, local fire departments are urging homeowners to use common sense and practice fire safety measures to prevent a calamity from happening.  Its unfortunate, but the Christmas season often sees a spike in home fires - for a variety of reasons.

Similar to what they've done in the past, the Town of Superior Volunteer Fire Department is once again helping to build awareness about holiday fire safety through their Keep The Wreath Green Campaign.  According to news sources, a wreath will be placed at the Superior Fire Hall until January 2.  The wreath will be lit with green holiday lights.  If a residential fire occurs during the holiday season, one of the bulbs will be changed to red.  The premise is to "keep the wreath green" - in other words, the goal is towards no residential home fires this Christmas season.

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Along with the wreath and the goal, the fire department is also sharing fire safety tips in regards to Christmas and the season.  Here is a brief summary of some of them:

Lights:

  • Check lighted holiday displays to maintain that they are in good condition.  Light strands with frayed or cracked wires should be thrown away.
  • Don't place electric cords or wires under carpeting or throw rugs.
  • Outside lights need to be UL approved for outdoor use.
  • Don't connect more than the listed amount of light sets per extension cord.
  • Never use electric lights on metallic trees or decorations.
  • Always turn off holiday lights when not at home.

Trees:

  • Artificial trees should have a listing label.  Some plastic trees can burn extremely fast.
  • Live/real trees need to be watered frequently.  Check to make sure that the needles don't come off in your hand.  The trees needles should remain deep green in color.  The trunk should be sticky with sap.
  • Place live trees away from heat sources - especially fireplaces.

Candles:

  • Maintain that candles aren't near combustible materials.
  • Make sure that all candles are blown out before leaving the house.

Fireplaces:

  • Maintain that your fireplace is in working order before use.  Have it serviced and cleaned if needed.
  • Christmas wrapping and tree branches should never be burned in a fireplace.

Space heaters:

  • Never use space heaters near water.
  • Unplug space heaters when not in use.
  • Don't use a space heater as a dryer.
  • Don't place space heaters in door ways, hallways, or any walkway where it is likely to get bumped over.
  • Don't leave space heaters unattended.

Smoke alarms:

  • Maintain that the smoke alarms/detectors in your home are in good working order.
  • Change the batteries at least once (better twice) per year.

Additional fire safety tips - especially those geared to the Christmas holiday season can be found on the United States Fire Administrations website.  Click here for more details.

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