Fire risks increase this time of year
Experts offer safety tips for Christmas lighting
House fires increase during winter months because of a combination of heating methods and overloaded power cords.
However, there are things residents can do to prevent a tragedy.
“Improper use of heating equipment causes a lot of house fires,” said Texarkana Texas Fire Marshal Chris Black. “We have already had a couple of house fires this year as a result of space heaters.”
Space heaters should be kept at least three feet away from bedding, clothes or curtains. Space heaters should also have an automatic shutoff in case they get turned over and they should be plugged directly into an outlet and never into an extension cord or power strip.
If someone uses a wood stove to help heat their home, they should not burn paper in it, and have the chimney inspected and cleaned each year by a professional.
Unattended cooking is the leading cause of house fires, with ranges or cooktops accounting for three of every five reported fires involving cooking equipment, Black said.
The holidays can be a dangerous time because cooks are busier and there are more distractions.
Smoke alarms are needed in every home, Black said. If someone does not have one, they can get one for free from the fire department.
“Everyone needs to install at least one smoke alarm in their home. If you already have one, you should check it and replace it if needed,” Black said.
Friends and family visiting during the holidays should know what the home’s smoke alarm sounds like and what the plan is for getting out of the house in case of fire.
Southwestern Electric Power Co. encourages people to be mindful of electrical safety during the holiday season, particularly with decorative lights draped through trees and around houses.
SWEPCO offers these seven safety tips:
■ Use only lights and extension cords that are safety- certified. Check your tree lights and outdoor lights for damage each year before you use them. Discard lights with frayed wires, loose connections and broken or cracked sockets.
■ Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for tree lights. All lights should be fastened securely to the tree, but never with conductive wire. Bulbs should not come into direct contact with needles or branches on natural trees. Though they don’t emit much heat, it could eventually be enough to dry out the tree limbs.
■ Never attach electric lights to metal trees. A malfunction could lead to a dangerous, perhaps fatal, shock to anyone touching any part of the tree. Instead, use colored floodlights to give a safer illumination.
■ Select lights appropriately and never use indoor lights outside because they are not designed to be waterproof and could short circuit. Outdoor lights are usually hotter than indoor and could pose a hazard if placed on a tree.
■ Connect lights to power strips that have several outlets and a built-in circuit breaker to avoid overloading wall outlets or extension cords. Never run electrical cords under carpets or rugs where daily walking and wear could cause fraying and overheating. Unplug all unnecessary electrical equipment before restoring power if fuses blow or circuits trip in the home.
■ Be sure to turn off all lights when you leave the house or go to bed. Disconnect lights by pulling the plug, not by yanking on the cord.
■ Remind children never to touch lights or outlets.