Festive advice from fire service
The men and women of the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service would like to remind the public that the 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.
Holiday Decorations
- Be careful with Holiday Decorations. Choose decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant.
- 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 only surge protectors or power strips that have internal overload protection. Use surge protectors or power strips that are listed by a qualified testing laboratory.
- Keep lit candles away from decorations and other things that can burn.
- Keep children and pets away from lit candles.
- Blow out candles and turn off all light strings before leaving the house or going to bed.
Heating
- Keep anything that can burn at least three (3) feet away from heating equipment like the fireplace and space heater.
- Use space heating equipment in accordance to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Remember to turn off portable heaters when leaving the room or going to bed.
- Make sure that the fire place has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Ashes should be cool before putting them into a metal container.
Cooking
- To prevent cooking fires, you must be alert. You will not be alert if you are sleepy, have consumed alcohol, or have taken medicine or drugs that make you drowsy.
- Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, boiling, grilling, or broiling food. Turn off the burner if you leave the kitchen for any reason.
- If you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, check it regularly and stay in the home. Use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
- Keeping Things That Can Catch Fire Away from Heat Sources
- Keep anything that can catch fire–oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels, curtains–away from your stovetop.
- Keep the stovetop, burners, and oven clean.
Christmas Trees
- Choose a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched.
- Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, space heaters, candles, or lights.
- 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.
- Keep pets away from Christmas trees and decorations
- 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.
• Press release from the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service