Neighbor News
EMFD Commissioners Offer Holiday Safety Tips
More than one-third of home decoration fires are started by candles, and Christmas Day is the peak day for candle fires
Decorating our homes for the holiday season is a long-standing tradition. Sometimes, these festive decorations can increase the risk of a fire. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, more than one-third of home decoration fires are started by candles, and December 25th, Christmas Day, is the peak day for candle fires. The Board of Fire Commissioners of the East Meadow Fires District wishes all residents a joyous and safe holiday season and offers the following tips to be fire smart:
- Keep candles at least 12 inches from anything that can burn.
- Never leave candles burning unattended and extinguish all candles before leaving the house or going to bed.
- Consider using battery-operated LED candles to minimize the risk of fire and fire-related burns.
- If you choose to have a live Christmas tree, make sure it is well-watered and not dry; water it daily. Dry trees can burn very hot and very fast.
- Keep trees away from heat sources like fireplaces, space heaters, radiators, heat vents and candles.
- Make sure that trees or other large decorations do not block exits.
- When using electric lights, read and follow the manufacturer's instructions for the maximum number of light strands to connect and for proper usage. Do not use lights intended for indoor use outdoors.
- Inspect your electric holiday lights and decorations and throw away any with frayed or exposed wires.
- Turn off all holiday lights before going to bed or leaving the house.
- Make sure you have working smoke detectors on every floor of the home and test them regularly.
In case of a fire, make sure everyone leaves the house immediately and call the East Meadow Fire Department at 516-542-0576.
The East Meadow Fire Department, which covers East Meadow and parts of Levittown and Westbury (Salisbury), always looks for new members to join their ranks as firefighters or emergency medical personnel; no experience is necessary. The fire department provides the training required. There are numerous benefits associated with volunteering, including tax breaks, college scholarships, annual health checkups, life insurance, and a service award pension program, all at no cost. For more information on volunteering with the East Meadow Fire Department, visit www.eastmeadowfd.com or call 516-542-4565.
