December 19, 1980

Keep the holiday safe from fires

       With Christmas six days away, members of the White River Township Fire Department offering some last minute suggestions to keep your holiday fire safe. Christmas trees can be dangerous if not handled properly. Fire officials recommend keeping the tree away from radiators, heaters and fireplaces so it will not dry out. Christmas lights should be inspected for frayed wires and cracked sockets. Use only approved lighting outdoors. Using inside lights outdoors can cause electrical short circuit. The holiday season usually means more open flames inside the home, so extra precautions should be taken. Candles should not be located near curtains, paper decorations or other flammable materials. Keep flammable materials away from fireplaces. Screens or doors should be closed so sparks won’t burn rugs. Never burn gift-wrapping in the fireplace. Fire Chief Robert Wehrman also has a precaution and a suggestion for Christmas gift giving. Wehrman said that residents who receive wood-burning stoves should make sure they are installed correctly. Stove flues should be cleaned regularly to prevent a creosote buildup and the possibility of fire. Smoke detectors make practical Christmas gifts, according to Wehrman. “It’s a gift that the family can use all year. It can save your home as well as your life,” Wehrman said.  (Reprinted with permission from the Daily Journal)

 

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