Fire safety is a needed reminder for holidays

December through New Year’s is among the deadliest and costliest times of the year for house fires.

Coronavirus weariness has created extra holiday decorating hype this year, and retailers and tree farms report a growing demand for live evergreens.

But just as this pandemic comes with so many warnings and words of caution, so does holiday decorating. Fire safety experts warn that the month of December is known for the fire hazards that come with the holiday season.

In fact, December through New Year’s — when fireworks will bring on a whole new set of dangers — is among the deadliest and most costly time periods for house fires. The presence of flammable live trees and lots of electrical cords with the potential for malfunction can spark a family disaster.

But it’s not the tree or even the myriad of cords and lights that cause the most fires during the December holiday season: Candles are the greater culprit, according to fire safety experts.

December is the peak time of year for home candle fires. The number of open-flame fires, most often candles, on Christmas Day is more than double the average, and New Year’s Day runs a close second. That’s according to the U.S. Fire Administration. Even worse, the number of fatalities during a holiday fire is nearly 70% higher than average, and property loss is 34% greater.

The risk is so common that nearly one-third of us have left the room or fallen asleep while burning candles, according to a 2020 national American Red Cross survey. If you must use candles, never leave them unattended, keep them away from anything that could burn and place them out of reach from children and pets.

The office of the Pennsylvania Fire Commissioner also warns of home heating and carbon monoxide mishaps at this time of year. Hazards associated with the presence of carbon monoxide are a serious threat to Pennsylvanians, and the state routinely ranks among the nation’s worst affected.

Since it is an odorless, colorless and tasteless gas, carbon monoxide can incapacitate victims before they are aware that they have been exposed. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning often include nausea, headaches, dizziness, disorientation and fatigue. These symptoms are easily confused with flu and COVID-19 symptoms, making it exceptionally important to utilize a carbon monoxide detector.

The office of the Pennsylvania Fire Commissioner recently issued these reminders:

• Keep areas around your furnace free of clutter and combustible material; never set items on top of your furnace.

• Regularly replace furnace filters.

• Likewise, keep combustible materials a safe distance from vent/exhaust lines.

• Call a professional if you notice a problem; many offer annual tune-up services.

• Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area. Install alarms on every level of the home including the basement.

• Test all alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.

• Have a home escape plan and practice it with your entire family.

The Red Cross issued the following decorating tips:

• Check all holiday light cords to make sure they aren’t frayed or broken. Don’t string too many strands of lights together — no more than three per extension cord. Turn off all holiday lights when going to bed or leaving the house.

• Ensure outside decorations are for outdoor use and fasten lights securely to your home or trees. If using hooks or nails outside, make sure they are insulated to avoid electrocution or fire hazard.

• Look for the fire-resistant label when buying an artificial tree. Keep it away from fireplaces, radiators and other sources of heat. Never use electric lights on metallic trees.

• If getting a live tree, make sure it’s fresh and keep it watered. Bend the needles up and down to make sure no needles fall off.

• Don’t light the fireplace if hanging stockings on the mantel.

• Check the labels of older decorations. Some older tinsel is lead-based. If using angel hair, wear gloves to avoid irritation. Avoid breathing in artificial snow.

We will get through this weariness, and the decorations will help brighten the holidays. Remembering safety guidelines — and never leaving a burning candle unattended — will help ensure that the cure doesn’t become tragedy.

The pandemic signoff “Be safe” means keeping your holiday home safe, too. Take care to make certain that the promise of better times arrives with a happy new year.