BFRS Provides Holiday Safety Tips To Public
The Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service [BFRS] is offering the public a number of holiday tips, covering topics including Christmas trees, gifts, and general holiday safety.
A spokesperson said, “As you deck the halls this holiday season, be fire smart. A small fire that spreads to a Christmas tree can grow large very quickly.
“Choose a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched. Before placing the tree in the stand, cut 2 inches from the base of the trunk. Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights. Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit. Add water to the tree stand; be sure to add water daily.
“Use lights that have the label of a recognized testing laboratory. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use. Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Read manufacturer’s instructions for number of light strands to connect. Never use lit candles to decorate the tree. Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.
“Get rid of the tree after Christmas or when it is dry. Dried-out trees are a fire danger and should not be left in the home or garage, or placed outside against the home. Check with your local community to find a recycling program. Bring outdoor electrical lights inside after the holidays to prevent hazards and make them last longer.”
“One of every three home Christmas tree fires are caused by electrical problems. Although Christmas tree fires are not common, when they do occur, they are more likely to be serious. A heat source too close to the tree causes roughly one in every four of the fires.
Regarding hover boards as gifts, the spokesperson said, “Hover board — part toy, part transportation. These self-balancing scooters have quickly become the latest fad. However, many hover boards have been linked to fires. NFPA urges you to be fire safe when using these devices.
“If you purchase a hover board, choose a device with the seal of an independent testing laboratory; read and follow all manufacturer directions. If you do not understand the directions, ask for help; an adult should be responsible for charging the hover board.
“Do not leave a charging hover board unattended; never leave the hover board plugged in overnight; only use the charging cord that came with the hover board; stop using your hover board if it overheats; and extreme hot or cold temperature can hurt the battery.
“Hover boards are fairly new to the mass market. Be on the lookout for updates from manufacturers and safety groups.”
“Some hover board fires have involved the Lithium-Ion battery or charger. Signs you could have a problem include leaking fluids, excessive heat, odor, sparking, and smoke. If you notice any of these signs, stop using the device right away. Call 9-1-1. If safe to do so, move the hover board outside away from anything that can burn.
“Many airlines have banned hover boards. If you plan to fly with a hover board, be sure to check with your air carrier. When riding in a car, keep the hover board where you can see it in case it shows signs of a problem.
Regarding general holiday safety, the spokesperson said, “Winter holidays are a time for families and friends to get together. But that also means a greater risk for fire. Following a few simple tips will ensure a happy and fire-safe holiday season.
“Be careful with holiday decorations. Choose decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant. Keep lit candles away from decorations and other things that can burn. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both. Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Read manufacturer’s instructions for number of light strands to connect. Use clips, not nails, to hang lights so the cords do not get damaged. Keep decorations away from windows and doors.”
Regarding holiday entertaining, the spokesperson said, “Test your smoke alarms and tell guests about your home fire escape plan. Keep children and pets away from lit candles. Keep matches and lighters up high in a locked cabinet. Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop.
“Ask smokers to smoke outside. Remind smokers to keep their smoking materials with them so young children do not touch them. Provide large, deep ashtrays for smokers. Wet cigarette butts with water before discarding.
“Before heading out or to bed, blow out lit candles when you leave the room or go to bed. Turn off all light strings and decorations before leaving home or going to bed.
“Two of every five home decoration fires are started by candles. Nearly half of decoration fires happen because decorations are placed too close to a heat source.
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