Commentary: Keep your holiday season memorable -- for the right reasons

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Eric Hartman
  • 442nd Civil Engineers Squadron
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  With the end of 2011 rapidly approaching, the 442nd Civil Engineers Squadron Fire Protection Flight would like to remind our members that the happiness of the holiday season can be forever changed in a moment by fire.
Using common sense and having an awareness of fire threats can help to keep our members and their families safe.

Open flames

Far too many fires occur due to unattended open flames, such as candles or the use of fire places and woodstoves. Candle-related fires have increased more than 50 percent in the past four years. Make sure candles are well-secured in a proper holder and kept at least three feet away from anything combustible. Never leave a candle burning when you leave the room, the house, or retire for the night.

Space heaters

As the temperatures plummet in Missouri this time of year, many families use space heaters in their homes. Keep combustible items at least three-feet away from space heaters. This becomes especially important when using space heaters in bedroom, at night, when blankets and comforters can fall from beds and land on the heating unit.

Caution in the kitchen

Unattended cooking is the primary cause of home fires in the United States. As a civilian working for the fire department, these are some of the worst fires we see, and the number of house fires significantly increases during the holiday season as we begin to prepare large meals for family gatherings. Never use turkey fryers indoors or on combustible surfaces such as a wooden deck. Do not overfill with oil and keep these appliances at least 20 feet from your home or other combustible materials.

O' Christmas tree

Natural trees are a big part of the holiday tradition for many families. However, natural Christmas trees may become fire hazards if not well-watered. Water your tree at least daily. When you purchase your tree, do so from a reputable dealer. Make sure the tree is fresh and not dry. Make sure a fresh cut is made to the trunk of the tree to aid in water absorption before placing the tree in its stand. Don't place the tree near heating vents or fireplaces that could dry the tree out prematurely. Keep open flames, such as candles, away from the tree.

Decorating the house

Use extra care with electrical extension cords and lights. Use only lights that display the Underwriter's Laboratory (UL) label. Read and follow the manufacturer's guidelines for how to use decorative lights and how many strings of lights can be connected together. Frayed cords and overloaded electrical circuits can be a cause of holiday fires. If decorating outdoors, make sure the decorations are listed for outdoor use. If using a ladder to install decorations, make sure that the ladder is rated for the proper weight load, make sure that you do not over extend your reach while on the ladder, and watch for overhead power lines. Always make sure that the base of the ladder is firmly secure to the ground. Work off of a level surface. It is always best practice to have another person with you if working on a ladder to assist or steady the ladder if needed.

Give life in a stocking

In the event you're still searching for that gift for someone on your list, consider the gift of life by giving a smoke detector and carbon monoxide alarm. Industry expert's state that battery operated smoke detectors more than 10 years old should be replaced, regardless of functionality. If you can't recall when you bought and installed your smoke detector, now is a great time to purchase a new unit. The cost of even the top of the line smoke detectors is often less than $15 and many have batteries that will last up to 10 years. Your chances of death in a home fire are reduced by 50 percent simply by having properly functioning smoke alarms installed.

Carbon monoxide - that colorless, odorless gas - presents invisible danger all year long but especially during the cold winter months. Today's carbon monoxide detectors are more accurate and dependable than ever and generally cost less than $30. No home should be without at least one Carbon Monoxide detector.