Keep Your Carlsbad Home Holiday-Safe: Tips From The Fire Department

CARLSBAD, CA — The city of Carlsbad Fire Department has some tips for staying safe while you enjoy your decorations this holiday season. The nights are chilly and it's time to light up your eaves, cozy up around the fireplace, set candlelight to glow after the sun sets, and enjoy your delicious smelling Christmas tree.

You can do all of the above with peace of mind if you follow a few simple rules of thumb, according to the Carlsbad Fire Department.

"There have been at least three significant fires in Carlsbad this past year that started in a fireplace/chimney," a spokesperson for the fire department said in a recent news release.

Remember to have your chimneys inspected annually, and clear out any debris from leaves or animals who may have made your chimney their home.

If you love candles, remember to light them safely, and don't leave them burning unattended.

December is the peak month for home candle fires, according to the department. Consider using battery-operated flameless candles, which can look, smell, and feel like real candles

"More than one-third of home candle fires start in the bedroom, and three out of five candle fires start when flammable items are too close to the candle," they said.

Follow these steps to keep your candles safe:

• Never leave burning candles unattended.
• Keep candles away from kids and pets.
• Keep candles away from flammable items.
• Place candles at least three inches apart.
• Never leave candles burning overnight.
• Never use a candle where medical oxygen is being used.

Trees

Christmas tree fires are rare, but serious, according to the department. "Nearly one third of home Christmas tree fires are caused by electrical problems, and a heat source too close to the tree causes one in five of these fires," they said.

If you choose an artificial tree, make sure it’s labeled, certified, or identified by the manufacturer as fire retardant.

If you prefer a live tree, choose one that’s green and has pliable needles.

"Cut one to two inches off the end of the live tree trunk and score the base," the department advised. "This will allow the tree to absorb more water."

Make sure to water your tree frequently, and place it at least three feet away from any heat source.

• Make sure it is not blocking an exit.
• Use lights that have the label of an independent testing laboratory. It’s also important to note if the lights are for indoor or outdoor use.
• Carefully place your lights when stringing them on your tree. Turned all bulbs away from gifts and paper ornaments. Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections.
• Always turn off lights on trees and other decorations at the end of the night or when leaving home. A short circuit in any of this equipment could cause a fire.
• Keep children and pets away from light sets and electrical decorations. All lights present a hazard for curious little ones.

Decorating with a ladder
If you’re taking your holiday decorations to new heights, be sure to check out our safety tips before stepping foot on a ladder.

• Use ladders on a steady surface.
• Always have three points of contact (two feet and one hand).
• Never reach while on a ladder.
• Wear appropriate footwear.
• Avoid using metal ladders near power lines or exposed energized electrical equipment.

An extension or straight ladder used to access an elevated surface must extend 3 feet above the point of support.

Electrical outlets

Overloaded electrical circuits are a major cause of residential fires. Help lower your risk of electrical fires

• Do not overload electrical outlets.
• Check lighting instructions for the maximum light strands to connect (usually no more than three).
• All major appliances should be plugged directly into a wall receptacle outlet. Never use extension cords or multi-outlet converters for appliances.
• Only plug one heat-producing appliance into a receptacle outlet at a time.

Relying heavily on extension cords is an indication that you have too few outlets to address your needs. Have a qualified electrician inspect your home and add new outlets

Space heaters

If using a space heater to stay cozy this holiday, remember these safety tips:

All heaters need space. Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment.

• Place your heater on a solid surface.
• Plug it directly into wall outlet (no extension cords).
• Make sure it has an auto shut-off.
• Turn it off when you go to bed or leave the room.

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms

• Working smoke and CO alarms save lives.
• Test your smoke alarms and CO detectors monthly to make sure they are functioning properly.

The City of Carlsbad Fire Department will install a free smoke alarm in Carlsbad residents’ homes and will install free CO detectors for adults 62 or older. Learn more.

Holiday tree disposal

Dispose of your tree as soon as it begins to drop needles. Dried-out trees create a serious fire danger and should not be left inside the home or garage, or left outside, leaning against the home.