State Says, Put a Freeze on Winter Fires

The New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office and The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) are teaming up with the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) to promote their campaign “Put a Freeze on Winter Fires,” which works to educate the public about potential fire hazards during the winter months and holiday season.

J. William Degnan, NH State Fire Marshal and New Hampshire Association of Fire Chiefs’ president and Belmont Fire Chief David Parenti want to remind residents that winter is the peak season for New Hampshire home fires. Candle, decoration, and Christmas tree fires peak in December. “Put a Freeze on Winter Fires” provides awareness about these potential fire risks, along with advice and tips to avoid them.

“As everyone gets busier during the holidays, we often become rushed, distracted or tired,” says Chief Parenti. “That’s when home fires are more likely to occur.” According to New Hampshire statistics, alternate heating and heating equipment are the leading causes of home structure fires and injuries. Residents must be responsible and aware of the fires risks that come with their choice of heating equipment. Marshal Degnan would like to offer these preventive steps to keep you and your family safe this holiday season and throughout the winter:

• Be careful with holiday decorations. Choose decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant.
• If you choose to use a live tree, be sure to keep it watered.
• Consider using flameless candles. However, if you burn traditional candles, keep them at least 12” away from anything that can burn, especially away from your tree.
• Use lights that have the label of an independent testing laboratory. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both. Unplug them at night before you go to bed.
• Make sure you have working smoke alarms on every level of your home, and inside and outside sleeping areas.
• Have working carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home.

“The holidays can quickly turn from joyful to tragic when a fire occurs,” says Marshal Degnan. “By taking simple precautions, people can avoid potential fire hazards, and make this time of year a healthy and happy one. Give your family the gift of fire safety.”

Submitted text. Patch file photo.