Holiday Safety Reminders

Winter holidays are a time for families and friends to get together. But that also means a greater risk of fire. Key West Fire Marshal Jason Barroso has put together a list of safety reminders of possible fire hazards that can sneak into our homes over the holidays. Space heaters, candles, and dry Christmas trees are just some of the potentially dangerous additions to our homes this time of year. Following a few simple fire safety tips will help make a happy and fire-safe holiday season.

• Picking the tree:  Choose a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched. Before placing the tree in the stand, cut two inches from the base of the trunk. Make sure the tree is at least three feet from any heat source, like fireplaces, radiators, candles, & heat vents. Rember to water your Christmas tree regularly. After Christmas dispose of your tree or when it is dry. Dried out trees are a fire danger and should not be left in homes or garages.
• Lighting the tree: Use lights that are UL listed or by a qualified testing laboratory. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use. Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.
• Holiday decorating: Be careful with holiday decorations. Choose decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant. Keep lit candles away from decorations and other things that can burn. Blow out lit candles when you leave the room, your home, or go to bed.
• Holiday entertaining: Ensure you have working smoke alarms in every bedroom and throughout your home. Test your smoke alarms and tell guests about your home fire escape plan. Keep children and pets away from lit candles. Keep matches and lighters up high in a locked cabinet away from children.
• Holiday cooking safety: Be on alert! If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol don’t cook. Have a kid-free zone of at least three feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drinks are prepared. Stay in the kitchen while you’re cooking, if you leave even for a short period of time turn off the stove top and oven. In case of any emergency get you and your family outside and call 911.
• E-Bikes, E-Scooters, and Lithium-ion batteries: Be careful. Lithium-ion battery fires have increased dramatically nationwide. Use approved batteries. Only purchase and use devices that have a reputable testing agency mark such as UL. These show that the product has been safety tested. Use the wall outlet: Always plug directly into a wall electrical outlet for charging. Store in open spaces: Batteries should be stored away from anything flammable. (Ex. Pillow, bed, or couch). Keep away from heat: Keep batteries and devices at room temperature, keep away from direct sunlight and any heat source such as a radiator. Use supplied charger: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for charging and storage. Use the correct cord and power adapter made specifically for the device. Make sure you can get out: Never block your primary way in or out of a room/apartment. No overnight charging: Do not leave devices unattended while charging or charge them overnight. If a battery overheats or you notice an odor, change in shape/color, leaking or odd noises from a device, stop using immediately. If safe to do so, move the device away from anything that can catch fire and call 911. If you observe a lithium-ion battery fire, leave the area, close the door, and call 911 immediately.

Finally, Barroso reminds the community that smoke and CO detectors are available at the Key West Fire Department. Call 305-809-3933 or pick them up at KWFD Fire Station #1 1600 N. Roosevelt Blvd.