Holiday Safety Tips from the Simsbury Volunteer Fire Company

The Simsbury Volunteer Fire Company wants to warn you that fire takes no holiday. To have a happy holiday season, observe these safety tips.

Home smoke alarms make ideal gifts for the holiday season. Their batteries should be changed at least once a year. Studies show that most fire fatalities occur when the household is asleep. A smoke alarm could mean the difference between life and death.

Your tree should be in a stand designed to support trees and kept watered at all times. Check the water daily and when the needles begin to fall off the tree, it is time to take it outside. Your tree should be placed away from all heat sources such as stoves, radiators and fireplaces. Do not block doorways or access to stairs.

Never use any type of flammable decorations or candles on a holiday tree and be sure to check all holiday lights for frayed or broken wires. Lights should be tested and labeled for the specific purpose by a recognized testing laboratory. Heat from tree lights will dry out the tree; do not leave the tree lights on when the room is unoccupied.

To prevent chimney and house fires, do not burn the holiday tree or wrappings in the fireplace. These items are extremely flammable and can create too much heat for the fireplace.

With snowy weather approaching, please make sure fire hydrants are shoveled free of snow so they are clearly visible and accessible from the street. Shovel a three-foot (3’) radius and an access strip five feet (5’) wide from the hydrant to the street. Don't wait for your neighbor to do it - the life you save may be your own. The Simsbury Volunteer Fire Company wants you to have a happy holiday season.