Fire chiefs talk holiday safety

<span>As area residents prepare their homes for the holiday season, it is also the time of year for potential fire and burn hazards.</span>

<span>"Unfortunately, fire and burn prevention measures are often overlooked during the holiday season as families have their minds on the celebrations themselves, but statistics prove that we should be even more attentive to fire safety during this time," said Philip Zaleski, executive director of Illinois Fire Safety Alliance.</span>

<span>According to the IFSA, cooking is the leading cause of home structure fires and injuries and the third leading cause of home fire deaths.</span>

<span>In 2013, Thanksgiving had three times the average daily number of reported home structure fires caused by cooking.</span>

<span>Here are some tips from the IFSA for avoiding a potential hazardous situation this holiday season:</span>

<span>1. </span><span>Do not cook when tired or leave cooking unattended.</span>

<span>2. </span><span>Unplug appliances in case of a fire.</span>

<span>3. </span><span>Prevent scald burns to children by turning pot handles inward on the stovetop; create a three-foot, child-free zone around the stove.</span>

<span>4.</span><span> Push the test buttons on your smoke alarms to make sure they are properly working.</span>

<span>5.</span><span> Do not use turkey fryers indoors; consider purchasing a turkey cooking appliance that does not use oil, as oil spills and splashes cause serious injury.</span>

<span>"One of the biggest fire hazards is people frying their turkeys," said Steeleville Fire Chief Carlos Barbour. "Make sure you're in a well-ventilated area.</span>

<span>"Here in Steeleville, knock on wood, we haven't had a call, but reading different bulletins insurance companies put out, that's one of the leading causes."</span>

<span>Two of every five home decoration fires are started by candles, which most commonly occur on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.</span>

<span>"Make sure you use a candle in a glass or a container," Bert said. "They should not leave (candles) burning when they're gone because if they have animals, they could knock them over."</span>

<span>1.</span><span> Never leave candles unattended.</span>

<span>2.</span><span> Place candles on flat, heat-resistant surfaces at least one foot away from anything that can burn.</span>

<span>3.</span><span> Battery-operated flameless candles are better alternatives to traditional candles.</span>

<span>4.</span><span> Keep decorations clear from heat sources and be sure they are flame resistant or flame retardant.</span>

<span>Although Christmas tree fires are not quite as common, they tend to be very serious when they do occur, according to the IFSA.</span>

<span>On average, one of every 40 reported home structure Christmas tree fires resulted in a death. Electrical problems accounted for one of every three home Christmas tree fires.</span>

<span>Electrical failures or malfunctions were also factors in nearly two-thirds of fires involving holiday or decorative lights.</span>

<span>"When they're hooking up lights, don't overload the circuits or it could cause a fire," said Chester Fire Chief Marty Bert. "What they'll do is they'll plug it in a power strip and fill all the outlets up and put another power strip out.</span>

<span>"There's only so much power and if you stretch it out, it brings the amps down and overheats the wire."</span>

<span>1. </span><span>Use clips, not nails, to hang lights so cords are not damaged. </span>

<span>2. </span><span>Check if lights are intended for indoor or outdoor use and use appropriately.</span>

<span>3. </span><span>Outdoor lights should be plugged into a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protected outlet.</span>

<span>4. </span><span>When choosing lighting and electrical components, be sure they are UL listed to limit risks. </span>

<span>5. </span><span>Do not overload electrical outlets/extension cords; electrical components can overheat and ignite.</span>

<span>6. </span><span>Replace or repair damaged cords.</span>

<span>7. </span><span>Avoid placing extension cords across doorways or under carpets.</span>

<span>8. </span><span>Call a qualified electrician if outlets or switches are warm and if there are frequently blown fuses or tripping circuits.</span>

<span>"If you didn't change the batteries in your smoke detectors when the time changed, do so now," Barbour said.</span>

<span>Bert also cautioned those stringing outdoor decorations to use the appropriate ladder for the appropriate job.</span>

<span>"Don't overreach, don't get on the top step, people can get hurt," he said. "Even a fall from two or three feet can really hurt somebody."</span>

<span>For those with wood stoves, Bert recommends making sure the flue is cleaned out before use.</span>

<span>"Make sure the flues are cleaned out if they burn wood," he said. "Most people know that they need to have their flue cleaned out."</span>