Fire safety is just common sense

posted 09:13 AM 12/10
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I learned something new recently. Yes, old dogs really can learn new things. I know, I slaughtered that metaphor to suit my own purposes, but hey, it’s my blog, right?

Anyway, I was talking to one of the shift batalion chiefs at Lacey Fire District 3, Tim Hulse, about a press release we had received regarding a house fire. Hulse told me that three of the biggest days for house fires is Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. Had I thought for myself for a moment, the answer to my next question would have been obvious, but I asked it: Why?

The answer he gave me sent chills up my spine: Candles, more wood fires, things in the house that aren’t normally kept in the house, etc. My chills were a result of the realization that these were all things I do in March, and three times as much in December. To top it off, as I was building a fire in my wood stove last night, I noticed the wood shavings on the floor near the wood stove. Probably not so dangerous, except that when I first start a fire, I keep the door to the wood stove slightly ajar until the fire gets going.

Before you say it, I’ll admit that common sense was not on the agenda regarding the wood stove, even though we rarely leave it open for long, and never when we aren’t in the room. But it occurred to me last night, that just one spark from the wood stove was all it would take to ignite some of the very dry wood chips on the floor near the stove. My husband had the same thought I did, we don’t leave the door open when we’re not in the room. “Oh goodie,” I thought. “ We get to witness the inception of the fire that destroys our home, instead of it sneaking up on us.”

Here are a few more common sense tips from Lacey Fire District 3, and probably from the common sense police as well: ?

• Blow out all candles when you leave the room or go to bed. Avoid the use of candles in the bedroom and other areas where people may fall asleep.

• Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn.

• Consider using flameless candles.

With regards to decorating:

• Choose decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardent.

• Keep decorations away from windows and doors.

• Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.

• Make sure that your Christmas tree is at least three feet away from any heat source and not blocking an exit.

With regards to home-heating:

According to the National Fire Protection Association, nearly half of all home-heating fires occur during December, January, and February, with the top three occurrences for fire on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. I know I said that previously, but it was worth repeating.

• Keep all things that can burn at least three feet from heating equipment.

• Turn portable heaters off when you go to bed or leave the room.

• Have your chimney inspected each year and cleaned if necessary.

• Install a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm in a central location outside of your sleeping area.

• Last but not least: Replace the batteries in smoke alarms.

If you have fire safety questions, call Fire District 3 for assistance, 360-491-2410, or log on to: www.laceyfire.com.

I know these tips seem like things everyone should already know, but let’s face it, the hustle and bustle of the holidays can cause us to be a little careless.

Be safe, my extra room has no bed.

Merry Christmas.

Comments

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