With the arrival of the holiday season, the Tenmile Rural Fire District would like to offer some safety tips and reminders regarding some precautions to take while celebrating.

The holiday season is a very special time of the year but unfortunately, we see more fires happen during the holidays. Watering your Christmas tree, checking your smoke alarms, being mindful of candles and following cooking safety are all simple and easy actions everyone can take. Below are just a few tips to take.

Holiday decorating suggestions from NFPA:

• 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
• Use clips, not nails, to hang lights so the cords do not get damaged
• Keep decorations away from windows and doors

Safety suggestions for your Christmas tree:

• Fresh trees are less likely to catch fire, so look for a tree with vibrant green needles that are hard to pluck and don’t break easily
• Always place your tree away from heat sources like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights, and keep the tree base filled with water
• Make sure all your indoor and outdoor Christmas lights have been tested in a lab for safety
• Any lights you use outdoors must be labeled suitable for exterior placement, and be sure to plug them into a ground-fault circuit interrupter protected receptacle
• Keep all your holiday candles away from your tree
• Don’t forget to turn your Christmas tree lights off each night

Holiday Cooking Safety

Whether you’re hosting a festive get-together or just bringing along a dish, prevent kitchen fires and cook safely with these tips in mind:

• Keep flammable items away from the stovetop, including oven mitts, potholders, food packaging and dishtowels. Avoid wearing loose clothing, which could catch fire on burners.
• Do not leave cooking unattended. When using the stovetop, stay in the kitchen so you can keep an eye on the food. If you have something in the oven, check on it frequently; set a timer as a reminder.
• Keep the floor clear of any tripping hazards, such as bags or toys. Pets should be kept in another room where they won’t risk getting underfoot.
• It’s important to be alert while cooking on the stove, so if you’re tired or have consumed alcohol, it may be best to let someone else take over.
• Exercise caution when handling hot liquids and foods, as steam or splashes can cause serious burns, as well as the trays, pans and serving dishes they are in.

When it is time to set the table, place hot liquids and foods in the center of the table, where they are less likely to be knocked over.

In an Emergency call 911.