MEDIA ADVISORY

 

Dallas Fire Department

 

 

       From:   Annette Ponce, PIO                                                            Date: November  28, 2001

                    Office: 214-670-7949                                                          Time: 1:50 p.m.

                    Pager: 214-670-4552 code 9885

 

 DALLAS FIRE-RESCUE DEPARTMENT PROVIDES

SAFETY TIPS FOR THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

 

The City of Dallas suffers more loss of life and property from fires that occur in the winter months than any other time of the year. During the holidays we often forget to practice fire safety, due to the excitement of what is to come. As a reminder, the Dallas Fire-Rescue Department is offering these important fire safety tips to help prevent any fire tragedies from occurring this holiday season. Please take the time to look at these, they can save you and your loved ones.

 

REMEMBER, SMOKE DETECTORS SAVE LIVES!!!!!!!

THE DALLAS FIRE DEPARTMENT OFFERS FREE SMOKE

DETECTORS TO ANY CITIZEN WHO RESIDES IN THE CITY OF DALLAS. TO OBTAIN A FREE SMOKE DETECTOR, PLEASE CALL THE CITY OF DALLAS NON-EMERGENCY LINE, 3-1-1.

 

COLD WEATHER

Make sure that any heating equipment is serviced annually by a professional.

 

If you have space heaters, be sure that:

·        They are at least 3 feet away from any combustibles

·        Cords and plugs have been checked for damage

·        The cords are kept out of traffic areas.

 

Whenever you use a fireplace in your home:

·        Be sure that the chimney has been cleaned by a professional

·        Open the flue before lighting the fire

·        Never use flammable liquids to start the blaze

·        Keep a screen over the opening, and keep the screen closed

·        Never leave the fire unattended.

                                   

 

HOLIDAY DECORATING

Our Christmas trees provide some of our best holiday memories. Remember to:

·        Keep the tree away from any heat sources

·        Place the tree in a location that is away from your doors or exits.

 

If you have a real tree in your home, including one that is flocked, make sure that:

·        The tree is fresh, with needles firmly attached to limbs

·        The trunk of the tree is cut off at least 1 inch above the original cut

·        The base of the tree stays immersed in water and is checked daily to insure that the water does not dry up.

 

Also remember that:

·        Chemical coatings or sprays that provide flame resistance should not be relied upon to prevent flames from spreading once they have started.

·        Artificial trees can burn!

·        Electric lights should not be used on metal trees.

 

The most common cause of fires is faulty lights. Remember:

·        Check cords and sockets for any damage before putting lights on the tree.

·        Do not overload extension cords

·        Only outdoor-rated lights should be used outdoors

·        Unplug the lights before leaving, or before going to bed

·        Use only UL or FM listed lights and cords.

 

When using candles during the holidays

·        Never use them on trees

·        Keep candles away from combustibles

·        Never leave them unattended

·        Extinguish any candles before leaving, or before going to bed.

 

HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS

When hosting social gatherings, remember-and remind your guests:

·        That there should be no smoking near trees or decorations

·        That any smoking materials should be fully extinguished before disposal

·        To use decorative candles carefully

·        To keep all candles, matches, and lighters well out of the reach of children

·        To use cooking and warming appliances carefully.

 

If you or family members are participating in musical or dramatic presentations, be sure that:

·        No open candles are near trees or decorations

·        Costumes and decorations are flame retardant

·        The occupant load of the facility is not exceeded

·        Extension cords and electrical connections are used only in an approved manner

·        Electrical cords and lights are UL or FM listed.

 

AFTER THE HOLIDAYS

Cleaning up

·        Recycle the tree, or dispose of it through trash pickup.

·        Dry tree needles are very flammable. After needles are vacuumed, dispose of the cleaner bag outside.

·        Never burn wrappings in a fireplace.

·        Never burn a tree in a fireplace.

·        Do not allow children to play with discarded trees.

 

GENERAL TIPS

1.      Check your smoke detectors. Make sure they are working, and the batteries are good.

2.      Do not remove the batteries from your smoke detector.

3.      Remember smoke detectors make great gifts!!

4.      Keep an ABC-rated fire extinguisher properly charged and accessible.

5.      Have an escape plan, and practice it with your family.

 

INJURY PREVENTION

1.      Grease and hot liquids can cause significant burns.

2.      Be aware of the residual heat and steam that are in foods cooked in the microwave.

3.      Avoid trip hazards when decorating and when celebrating.

4.      Be careful when cold temperatures and precipitation create ice and frost conditions.

Falling on ice can be painful and dangerous.

 

 

 

THE DALLAS FIRE DEPARTMENT

WISHES YOU A SAFE AND

HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON

 

End