Holiday Fire-starters
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Candles and Fireplaces
Thousands of deaths, burns and other related injuries are caused by fire every year, and 12% of home fire as a result of candles occur in December, the National Fire Protection Association reports. Increased use of candles and fireplaces, combined with an increase in the amount of combustible, seasonal decorations present in many homes means more risk for fire.
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Never leave burning candles unattended or sleep in a room with a lit candle
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Keep candles out of reach of children
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Make sure candles are on stable surfaces
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Don't burn candles near trees, curtains or any other flammable items
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Don't burn trees, wreaths or wrapping paper in the fireplace
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Check and clean the chimney and fireplace area at least once a year
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Holiday Lights
Lights, inside and out, are a beautiful part of the holiday season. But before you deck the halls, run through this holiday lights
safety checklist to keep your holidays merry and bright.
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Inspect Light Strings- Discard any that are damaged, frayed or cracked electrical cords or broken sockets are leading fire hazards.
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Replace Burned-Out Bulbs Promptly- Empty sockets can cause the entire string to overheat.
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Make Sure Outdoor Lighting Is UL-Rated for Exterior Use- Exterior lights, unlike those used inside the house, need to be weather-resistant. The same goes for any extension cords used outdoors.
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Don't Attach Light Strings with Nails or Staples- They can cut through the wire insulation and create a fire hazard. Only use UL-approved hangers.
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Do not overload circuits by plugging in too many lights. - Follow the UL listing or manufactures recommendation for number of lights you can safely run in a series.
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Use appropriate extension cords - Do not use frayed or damaged extension cords, cords that are too long, or multiple cords plunged together, overheated extension cords can cause a fire or short circuit.
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Make sure extension cords do not become trip hazards and the outlet end is off the ground and protected from the weather.
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Take Exterior Lights Down Within 90 Days - The longer they stay up, the more likely they are to suffer damage from weather and critters chewing on them.
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Store Lights Safely - Tangled lights can lead to damaged cords and broken sockets. After the holidays, coil each string loosely around a stiff piece of cardboard, wrap it in paper or fabric to protect the bulbs, and store in a sturdy container until next year.
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Turkey Fryers
The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports there have been hundreds of turkey-fryer related fires, burns, explosions or carbon monoxide poisoning incidents reported each year. NSC discourages the use of turkey fryers at home and urges those who prefer fried turkey to seek out professional establishments or consider a new oil-less turkey fryer. But for those who don't heed that advice, please follow these precautions:
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Set up the fryer more than 10 feet from the house and keep children away
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Find flat ground; the oil must be even and steady to ensure safety
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Use a thawed and dry turkey; any water will cause the oil to bubble furiously and spill over (see video at right)
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Fryer lid and handle can become very hot and cause burns
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Have a fire extinguisher ready at all times