{"id":4662,"date":"2015-12-17T12:40:20","date_gmt":"2015-12-17T17:40:20","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.roamingshores.org\/RRA1\/?p=4662"},"modified":"2015-12-17T12:40:20","modified_gmt":"2015-12-17T17:40:20","slug":"keep-your-holidays-from-going-up-in-flames","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.roamingshores.org\/RRA1\/2015\/12\/17\/keep-your-holidays-from-going-up-in-flames\/","title":{"rendered":"Keep Your Holidays From Going Up in Flames!"},"content":{"rendered":"

Ashtabula County Fire Chiefs\u2019 Association Offers Fire Prevention Tips for a Safe and<\/em> Festive Holiday Season<\/strong><\/p>\n

For most of us, the holiday season represents a time for family festivities and good cheer. What few of us consider is that the holiday season is a time when there is an increased risk of home fires. According to the Ashtabula County Fire Chiefs\u2019 Association, many households engage in holiday activities that serve as some of the leading causes of U.S. home fires, including cooking. Christmas trees, candle usage and holiday decorations also significantly contribute to the seasonal causes of home fires. Add to that the hectic nature of the holidays, when people are trying to accomplish multiple tasks at one time, and the chance for home fires grows even more.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs everyone gets busier during the holidays, we often become rushed, distracted or tired,\u201d says Rome Fire Chief Ed Koziol, President of the Ashtabula County Fire Chiefs\u2019 Association. \u201cThat\u2019s when home fires are more likely to occur.\u201d<\/p>\n

Fortunately, with a little added awareness and some minor adjustments to holiday cooking and decorating, the season can remain festive and<\/em> safe for everybody. \u201cBy taking some preventive steps and following simple rules of thumb, most home fires can be prevented,\u201d says Chief Koziol.<\/p>\n

With unattended cooking as the leading cause of U.S. home fires and home fire injuries, Chief Koziol says to stay in the kitchen while you\u2019re frying, grilling, boiling, or broiling food. Most cooking fires involve the stovetop, so keep anything that can catch fire away from it, and turn off the stove when you leave the kitchen, even if it\u2019s for a short period of time. If you\u2019re simmering, baking or roasting food, check it regularly and use a timer to remind you that you\u2019re cooking. The Ashtabula County Fire Chiefs\u2019 Association also suggests creating a \u201ckid-free zone\u201d of at least three feet around the stove and areas where hot food and drinks are prepared or carried.<\/p>\n

Candles are widely used in homes throughout the holidays, and December is the peak month for home candle fires. The nonprofit National Fire Protection Association\u2019s (NFPA) statistics show that two of every five home decoration fires are started by candles. The Ashtabula County Fire Chiefs\u2019 Association encourages residents to consider using flameless candles, which look and smell like real candles. However, if you do use traditional candles, keep them at least 12\u201d away from anything that can burn, and remember to blow them out when you leave the room or go to bed. Use candle holders that are sturdy, won\u2019t tip over and are placed on uncluttered surfaces. Avoid using candles in the bedroom where more than one-third of U.S. candle fires begin or other areas where people may fall asleep. Lastly, never leave a child or pet alone in a room with a burning candle.<\/p>\n

According to NFPA, U.S. fire departments respond to an average of 210 home structure fires caused by Christmas trees per year. Three of every ten of them is caused by electrical problems, and one in four result from a heat source that\u2019s too close to the tree. The Ashtabula County Fire Chiefs\u2019 Association offers the following advice for picking, placing and lighting the tree:<\/p>\n