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BE SAFE
THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
T he holiday season Holiday candles are the cause for nearly half of all home
brings joy and decoration fires, so if possible use battery operated candles instead
happiness here in of traditional candles. If you desire to use the traditional candles,
Naples. Enjoying these never leave flame unattended, place the candles in a location safe
pleasurable times, many from being knocked over and away from combustible materials like
local families and visitors wrapping paper, stockings and the Christmas tree.
drive through Victoria
Park admiring the finely FACTS AND TIPS ABOUT HOLIDAY FIRE SAFETY
decorated homes, some
with thousands of Christmas lights. Many families are brought • One of every three home Christmas tree fires is caused
together to celebrate the season by decorating a Christmas tree and by electrical problems.
their homes, or putting up displays and lighting candles. With all
the pleasures of the holiday season, we must all be mindful of the • One of every 31 reported home Christmas tree fires results in a
potential fire dangers. death compared to an average of one death per 144 total reported
Next to the 4th of July, all the holidays during the winter home fires.
months including Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza and New
Year’s Day have an increase in the amount of structure fires and • A heat source too close to the tree causes one in every four
the dollar loss from these fire is 34 percent greater than normal. Christmas tree fires.
The increase in fire is directly contributed to decorative use of
Christmas trees and the use of candles in the home. • December is the peak time of year for home candle fires.
To protect your family and home from holiday fires always • One-third of all candle fires start in the bedroom.
follow manufacturer’s directions on use and care of decorative • Never leave burning candles unattended or sleep in a room
lights. Each time inspect those electrical decorations for any type
of damage. Be sure to check for loose or bare wires, cracked sockets with a lit candle.
and loose connections at the light bulbs. Overloaded electrical • Keep candles out of reach of children.
outlets can be a common cause of fires around the holidays, so • Make sure candles are on stable surfaces.
always be aware of amperage needs and use the appropriate surge • Don’t burn candles near trees, curtains or any
protector or extension cords.
The Christmas tree in your home can be a hazard as well. other flammable items.
The best fire safety practices include purchasing flame retardant • Only use lighting evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory,
artificial trees. Make sure to check and ensure that the tree you
purchase has been treated with fire retardant sprays by reading such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
labels thoroughly. Although many of us enjoy real Christmas trees, • 905 people die in winter home fires each year.
they can be a fire hazard, especially if allowed to dry out or exposed • $2,091,000,000 in property loss occurs from winter home fires.
to heat such as fireplaces and holiday candles. • 67 percent of winter fires occur in one- and two-family homes.
• Cooking is one of the leading causes of all winter home fires.
It is all of our intentions to enjoy the holiday season, but
everyone should take a moment to ensure they have protected
their homes and families from potential dangers and celebrate the
holiday season with fire safety in mind.
(Sources: National Fire Protection Association, U.S. Fire Administration,
Electrical Safety Foundation and National Incident Reporting System 2009-2014)
