Fire Safety & Holiday Season

State Fire Marshal Reminds Missourians of Fire Safety during Holiday Season

JEFFERSON CITY, December 8, 2006-State Fire Marshal Randy Cole joins the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) in reminding Missourians the holiday season can be hazardous when it comes to fires.

“It is my hope that all Missourians celebrating during this holiday season will take some time to consider fire safety in their homes and businesses. Holidays should be a time of joy and happiness instead of tragedy and loss,” Cole said.

According to the USFA, between the years 2002 and 2004, an annual average of 128,700 fires occurred during the month of December. These fires were responsible for an estimated 415 civilian fire deaths, 1,650 civilian fire injuries, and $990 million in property loss.

Cooking is the leading cause of residential building fires in December followed by heating and open flame. Cooking fires routinely begin to increase around Thanksgiving and peak in December with Christmas Day having the most cooking fires. December also has the highest incidence of children playing with fire where candles are the heat source.

Tips to enhance fire safety measures in homes and businesses:

• Use only flame-proof decorations and check the wiring on electrical decorations before use.
• Avoid the use of extension cords to power your decorations.
• Don’t use real candles as part of a decoration and remember to always exercise basic safety when using candles throughout the home.
• If you use a natural tree, make sure it is fresh. Keep trees away from heat sources and keep the tree holder full of water to keep the tree from drying out.
• Never use your fireplace or woodstove to dispose of wrapping paper and cardboard. Consider recycling or disposing of these products in the trash.
• Take extra precautions with fireplace ashes. Never use paper or plastic bags or plastic buckets to dispose of ashes. Keep ash containers away from wooden decks and house siding.
• Declare the kitchen off limits to children and those adults not assisting with food preparation. A crowded kitchen can increase the danger of spills and burns.
• Wait until after you are done in the kitchen to change to your festive clothes. Frilly clothing and drooping sleeves invite clothing fires. Consider rolling up sleeves and wearing an apron for additional safety.
• Be prepared to deal with cooking fires. Remember to never put water on a grease fire.

Cole reminds everyone to take a few minutes to check all your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, as well as your fire extinguishers, to make sure they are functional and working properly.

“By taking just a few minutes to consider fire safety during each holiday season, Missourians can ensure their family and friends can celebrate in the safest possible environment,” Cole said.

*News Release*
*Public Safety*	Matt Blunt, Governor	Mark James, Director
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For more information, please contact: Terri Durdaller Communication Director Work:(573) 751-4819 Cell: (573) 301-2023
State Fire Marshal Reminds Missourians of Fire Safety during Holiday Season JEFFERSON CITY, December 8, 2006-State Fire Marshal Randy Cole joins the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) in reminding Missourians the holiday season can be hazardous when it comes to fires. “It is my hope that all Missourians celebrating during this holiday season will take some time to consider fire safety in their homes and businesses. Holidays should be a time of joy and happiness instead of tragedy and loss,” Cole said. According to the USFA, between the years 2002 and 2004, an annual average of 128,700 fires occurred during the month of December. These fires were responsible for an estimated 415 civilian fire deaths, 1,650 civilian fire injuries, and $990 million in property loss. Cooking is the leading cause of residential building fires in December followed by heating and open flame. Cooking fires routinely begin to increase around Thanksgiving and peak in December with Christmas Day having the most cooking fires. December also has the highest incidence of children playing with fire where candles are the heat source. Tips to enhance fire safety measures in homes and businesses: • Use only flame-proof decorations and check the wiring on electrical decorations before use. • Avoid the use of extension cords to power your decorations. • Don’t use real candles as part of a decoration and remember to always exercise basic safety when using candles throughout the home. • If you use a natural tree, make sure it is fresh. Keep trees away from heat sources and keep the tree holder full of water to keep the tree from drying out. • Never use your fireplace or woodstove to dispose of wrapping paper and cardboard. Consider recycling or disposing of these products in the trash. • Take extra precautions with fireplace ashes. Never use paper or plastic bags or plastic buckets to dispose of ashes. Keep ash containers away from wooden decks and house siding. • Declare the kitchen off limits to children and those adults not assisting with food preparation. A crowded kitchen can increase the danger of spills and burns. • Wait until after you are done in the kitchen to change to your festive clothes. Frilly clothing and drooping sleeves invite clothing fires. Consider rolling up sleeves and wearing an apron for additional safety. • Be prepared to deal with cooking fires. Remember to never put water on a grease fire. Cole reminds everyone to take a few minutes to check all your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, as well as your fire extinguishers, to make sure they are functional and working properly. “By taking just a few minutes to consider fire safety during each holiday season, Missourians can ensure their family and friends can celebrate in the safest possible environment,” Cole said.
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