Keep fire safety your top priority this holiday season Published Dec. 11, 2012 By Senior Airman Elizabeth Van Patten 94th Airlift Wing Public Affairs DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. -- This holiday season, the Dobbins Fire Department is encouraging all service members to remember fire safety basics while celebrating with the grand feasts and whirlwind decorating that this holiday is known for. According to the National Fire Protections Association, the number of cooking fires that occur during holiday merry-making can be three times more than the average of any other time during the year. "This can be a whirlwind of cooking and entertaining guests," said Lorraine Carli, vice president of communications for NFPA. "With so much multitasking taking place, fire hazards around the oven or stovetop can easily be overlooked. Cooks should be conscious of fire safety this year whether the menu is meant to serve two or 20." Cooking fires are the primary cause of home fires, which can cause death, injuries and property damage. To reduce the likelihood of causing a cooking fire, the Dobbins Fire Dept. offers the following safety tips. - Do not keep anything that can catch fire near the stop top or open flames. - Do not leave what you are cooking unattended at any time. - If you are using the oven, be sure to check it regularly and use a timer to remind you to do so. - If using a turkey fryer, use it outdoors only, on a flat surface safely away from your house or anything that can catch fire. Also, do not overfill the fryer with oil that can spill over and combust. - Keep children and pets away from hot items and remember some things will stay hot hours after use. - Be sure to thaw out your turkey before you cook it. - Stay alert and keep a fire extinguisher handy. However, the kitchen is not the only place a fire can bring holiday plans to a halt. Each year thousands suffer injury, burns and death due to holiday decorations and carelessness Trees, lights and ornaments produce extra hazards at a time when the hectic season may distract us from fire safety. Live trees should be checked for freshness. Fresh needles won't break when bent. Shedding needles are a sign of a dry tree and a serious hazard. Place it in a stable holder and keep the holder filled with water. Keep the tree away from direct heat sources. Decorations should not obstruct corridors, exits or be hung from fire detection devices - smoke detectors/sprinkler. Check all lighting for safety. Look for frayed or broken areas where wires are exposed. Damaged lights should be discarded. No more than three sets of lights should be on an extension cord. Keep connections away from the water base and cords of the correct size. Unplug all lights before leaving. Do not use real candles; electric candle are a safer option. Keep all ornaments, and cords away from children and pets. "Holiday seasons are meant to be festive and rewarding," said Michael Hodson, Dobbins Fire Dept chief of fire safety. "Just be conscientious and alert of the dangers. We want to see everybody safe after the holidays." For more information on safety tips during your holiday, please contact the Dobbins ARB Fire Department at (678)655-4840.
